STYLE Magazine, Village Edition, February 2020

THE SMALL EASY

Mardi Gras brings big fun to downtown Leesburg. WHAT’S ON TAP

Beer, yes, but Clermont Brewing Co. offers much more.

FEB '20

VILLAGE EDITION

FE ATURIN G

THROUGH THE ROOF

Check out the Top Producers among area Realtors.

YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE

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But Leap Year has an extra day of adventure.

SHARON BASSETT B R O K E R / O W N E R BASSETT PREMIER REALTY

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If I only had a heart… specialist.

I N HON OR OF AME RICAN H E ART MONTH Every FHV Health Urgent Care now includes a practicing cardiologist. So, set your mind—and your heart—at ease.

You never know when you may need a heart specialist.

But now you’ll always know where to find one.

Leesburg 27637 US HWY 27 / 352.326.6001 MON-FRI 9am-7pm SAT & SUN 8am-5pm Lady Lake 201 LaGrande Blvd / 352.753.0606 MON-FRI 9am-7pm SAT & SUN 8am-5pm fhvhealth.com

Babette’s Interior Design Project Series

OPTIONS? DO YOU KNOW YOUR BEST

FACELIFT, TEMPORARY FILLERS, OR PERMANENT FACIAL FILLERS

Liz had ImageLift, Laser, and filler treatments. Results are typical and do vary.

Kathy had a Laser ImageLift. Results are typical and do vary.

Free ImageLift seminars are being held at the following locations in February and March. Meet the doctor and enjoy free food, books, *drawings and door prizes.

YOU’RE INVITED TO FIND OUT! Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Raffle drawings for free filler, a $995-$1200 value

UPCOMING FACIAL BEAUTY SOCIAL MIXER FEB 04 DEMSHARS RESTAURANT SEMINAR, THE VILLAGES FEB 18 COUNTRY CLUB OF MOUNT DORA SEMINAR FEB 25 WATERFRONT INN SEMINAR, THE VILLAGES MAR 31 WATERFRONT INN SEMINAR, THE VILLAGES CALL NOW TO RSVP - LIMITED SEATING

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*Patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination, or treatment that is performed as a result of and within 72 hrs of responding to ad for the free, discounted fee, or reduced fee service, examination, or treatment.

8630 East CR 466, The Villages 877.346.2435 // www.IMAGELIFT.com

FEB'20 V.16

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CONTENTS 1 of 2

FEATURES

038

Realtor of the Year Jim Mariucci, 2019 Realtor of the Year

Jim Mariucci is an educator and a mentor, qualities that helped him earn the top award for 2019 from the Realtors Association of Lake & Sumter Counties.

STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL

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Go to the top of the list Check out the annual list of top producers among Realtors in Lake and Sumter counties.

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Take the leap Leap Day, Feb. 29, is an “extra” day of living.

Take advantage of it by trying a new adventure.

STORY: CHRIS GERBASI

051 SPECIAL ADVERTISIN G SEC TIO N

The 2020 Top Realtors They’re some of the top sellers in real estate, but they’re more than that—these Realtors are part of your community. Get to know the 2020 Top Realtors in this special section.

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Are you in love with your

Retirement Plan?

We Listen. We Care. We Educate.

Liz Cornell, CASÂŽ

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

352.350.1161

TB Financial Group Inc. is a licensed insurance agency for life, health, and annuities. We are not securities licensed.

We are not tax advisors. Our seminars are very general in nature and not meant to replace the advice of your CPA, Tax Preparer, Investment Advisor or Attorney. We will not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax or legal professional for these matters.

TBFinancialGroup.com 3261 U.S. Highway 441/27, Suite F-2 Fruitland Park, FL 34731

FEB‘20 V.16

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CONTENTS 2 of 2

DEPARTMENTS

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THE HIT LIST 022 PERSON OF INTEREST 024 OUTSTANDING STUDENT 026 IN THE VILLAGES 028 MY FIRST TIME 030 THIS 'N' THAT 032

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THE TO-DO LIST 080 BOOK CLUB 083 LOCAL TALENT 084 SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT 086 HI, SOCIETY! 088

menu

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IN THE KITCHEN 104 FORK ON THE ROAD 108 SPIRITS 110 DINING GUIDE 112

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E ON TH R C OV E

110 Lake and Sumter Style Photo: Douglas Tyler Model: Jim Mariucci

RETIREMENT SALE!

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Liq Ret uid irem ati en on t Sa le!

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dear customers; It has been a great honor and pleasure to have served you the past 30+ years. Thank you!

However the time has come for me to tend to my health and my family more than ever. This Retirement Sale, our biggest sale yet, will be held in our beloved store located in the downtown square of Ocala and must liquidate all of our inventory. Please come in early for the best selection and unbelievable savings on these magniďŹ cent, hand-made rugs, personally handpicked from all over the world.

Forever grateful, Bahram Cyrus Assary

Cyrus Rug Gallery 352.629.3200 20 se broadway st., ocala, fl cyrus-rug.com

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Bring it on home!

Top Realtors in Lake and Sumter are a driving force.

ny homeowner knows the pitfalls of buying or selling a house. Fortunately, Lake and Sumter counties are loaded with a vast roster of hardworking Realtors who can help first-time buyers or longtime owners navigate around those pitfalls.

The landscape of this area is constantly changing, and as the counties continue to grow, more homes are being built, more families and members of the workforce are moving in and Realtors are busier than ever—and, let’s face it, a little more prosperous, too.

In this issue, we present the Realtor of the Year, Jim Mariucci, as chosen by the Realtors Association of Lake & Sumter Counties, along with profiles of Top Realtors and the annual list of top producers—those million-dollar and multimillion-dollar sellers who are movers and shakers in the area. These Realtors make sure buyers and sellers are happy and help them find the perfect match for their needs.

Maybe it’s time to take a leap into a new home. Or take a leap on Leap Day, Feb. 29. People born on that date get to celebrate their true birthdays only every fourth year during Leap Year. But many people also look at Leap Day as an “extra” day in their lives and an opportunity for adventure or trying something new. Read our feature story to see how you can celebrate Leap Day. Our staff also goes behind the scenes of the upcoming Leesburg Mardi Gras, ventures into CREATION Health Kitchen at AdventHealth Waterman Hospital for cooking tips and profiles other colorful people and places.

We hope you enjoy this issue, and don’t forget that special someone…

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Have a story to tell?

We’re always looking for stories about people who live and work in our area. Send suggestions to chris@akersmediagroup.com.

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Kendra Akers Doug Akers

OWNER/PUBLISHER kendra@akersmediagroup.com

DESIGN

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AT YOUR SERVICE

PRESIDENT doug@akersmediagroup.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

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EDITORIAL

Steven J. Codraro Chris Gerbasi

CREATIVE DIRECTOR steve@akersmediagroup.com

MANAGING EDITOR chris@akersmediagroup.com

Michael Gaulin James Combs

SENIOR DESIGNER michael@akersmediagroup.com

STAFF WRITER james@akersmediagroup.com

Volkan Ulgen Theresa Campbell

ART DIRECTOR volkan@akersmediagroup.com

Douglas Tyler Victoria Schlabig

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY douglas@akersmediagroup.com

Megan Mericle

THE SMALL EASY

Mardi Gras brings big fun to downtown Leesburg. WHAT’S ON TAP

STAFF WRITER theresa@akersmediagroup.com STAFF WRITER victoria@akersmediagroup.com

Jason Fugate

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Beer, yes, but Clermont Brewing Co. offers much more.

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Joe Angione

M A RK ETIN G

Tim McRae

VICE PRESIDENT, SALES tim@akersmediagroup.com

Melanie Melvin Dillon True

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING melanie@akersmediagroup.com

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE dillon@akersmediagroup.com

Shaena Long

SALES ASSISTANT shaena@akersmediagroup.com

A D M IN IS TRATION Deb Matlock Aubrey Akers Simmons

DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICES deb@akersmediagroup.com

HER CUP OF TEA | Author Mimi Kirk helps readers ‘Tea-Vitalize’ their lives. p.22

SPONSORED BY

FEB '20

REBOOTING THE BRAIN

TO LA KE COUNTY

A Boston Marathon bombing survivor speaks on PTSD treatment.

FE ATURIN G

FE ATURIN G

THROUGH THE ROOF

THROUGH THE ROOF

Check out the Top Producers among area Realtors.

YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE

Tips for maintaining cardiovascular health.

YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE

+ + JIM MARIUCCI But Leap Year has an extra day of adventure.

LAKE COUNTY IS HOPPIN’

STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART

Check out the Top Producers among area Realtors.

Local beer that’s truly local.

Fresh hops, fruit and other ingredients grown in Lake County.

But Leap Year has an extra day of adventure.

R E A L T O R O F T H E Y E A R FOR REALTORS ASSOCIATION OF LAKE & SUMTER COUNTIES

SHARON BASSETT A PERFECT ‘FIT’ Couples like Bob and Tiffany Bone reveal secrets to a successful marriage.

+

FRESH TODAY!

WHERE THE LOCALS GO

BIRDWATCHERS UNITE

Enjoy food picked fresh at a farm café, pick your own fruit, or take a hayride to relish agritourism.

Find the best places for outdoor fun, downtown adventure, and lazy life on the water.

Lake County is home to hundreds of bird species, including the native scrub-jay.

TO L AKE COUNT Y • 1

Hot off the press!

The latest editions of Lake & Sumter Style, Healthy Living, and Welcome to Lake County.

Get yours Subscriptions: Order a subscription of your favorite magazine to be delivered directly

to your home for just $84. Each subscription includes 12 consecutive issues of Lake & Sumter Style, Village Edition Style, or Healthy Living. Choose 2 or more magazines for $108 per year. To order, call 352.787.4112 or mail us at: Subscriptions at Akers Media, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749.

Change of Address: If you are a seasonal resident or have moved, send your address change request to general@akersmediagroup.com or mail us at: Subscriptions at Akers Media, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749.

Back Issues: Order a single issue by mail for $7, or 2 or more single issues for $9. To pick up a back issue from our office, please call 24 hours in advance.

OFFICE MANAGER aubrey@akersmediagroup.com

D IS TRIBUTION Scott Hegg

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com

Lake & Sumter Style is a proud member of

Winner of 200+ Awards for Excellence

Beer, yes, but Clermont Brewing Co. offers much more.

FEB '20

B R O K E R / O W N E R BASSETT PREMIER REALTY

CON TRIBUTIN G Anthony Rao WRITER S

S A L ES

Mardi Gras brings big fun to downtown Leesburg. WHAT’S ON TAP

VILLAGE EDITION

GRAPHIC DESIGNER megan@akersmediagroup.com STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER anthony@akersmediagroup.com

THE SMALL EASY

FEB '20

L AKE & SUMTER

Lake & Sumter Style. Published monthly by Akers Media, 108 South Fifth Street, Leesburg, FL 34748. All editorial contents copyright 2019 by Akers Media. All rights reserved. Lake & Sumter Style is a registered trademark of Akers Media. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For back issues or billing information, call 352.787.4112. Return postage must accompany all unsolicited manuscripts and artwork if they are to be returned. Manuscripts are welcomed, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. “Paid Promotional Feature” denotes a paid advertising feature. Publisher is not responsible for claims or contents of advertisements. The ideas and opinions contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of Akers Media.

Digitize your life Visit the Apple or Android app store today and download the Lake & Sumter Style or Healthy Living online magazine app for your mobile device.

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F E B ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M

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F E BRUARY

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2020

EDI T I O N

F E ATUR E

When It’s More than Just Stress We often associate posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with wars, natural disasters, and other life-threatening events.

But post-traumatic stress (PTS), a less severe form, can occur when one faces cancer. PTS can also occur at any time during or after treatment, from cancer diagnosis onward, and it can also strike parents of childhood cancer survivors.

Cancer diagnosis can cause normal stress reactions like having repeated frightening thoughts, being distracted or overexcited, having trouble sleeping, and feeling detached from

oneself or reality. PTS symptoms are more pronounced and can include feeling defensive, irritable, or fearful; being unable to think clearly; experiencing more sleeping problems; avoiding other people; and losing interest in life. PTS symptoms can be triggered by smells, sounds, and sights that one had experienced during cancer treatment, even long after treatment has ended. And if left unaddressed, PTS can worsen into PTSD. You can help protect yourself against PTS by getting good social support, learning about

Stress Busters

You can manage stress during cancer treatment by: • Exercising

• Joining a support group

• Spending time outside

• Having daily relaxation time

• Socializing with family or friends • Eating a healthy diet

• Doing things you enjoy • Writing in a journal

• Getting enough sleep

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your stage of cancer, and having good communication with your healthcare providers.

If you experience PTS, crisis interventions similar to those for PTSD can

reduce stress. These include relaxation training, support groups, and (if symptoms are severe) medication. Talk to your doctor if you think you are experiencing PTS.

The Healing Power of Mindfulness

RBOI will hold a 5-week introductory course in mindfulness.

Free to those facing cancer, cancer survivors, and loved ones. Classes will meet at 2020 SE 17th Street in Ocala from 2-3:30 p.m. on Thursdays beginning February 13 and registration is required. Call Amy Roberts at 352-732-0277.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends the following for reducing stress: • Avoid scheduling conflicts and give yourself enough space between appointments.

• Be aware of your limits and don't feel guilty about saying "No." • Ask family friends, and coworkers for help with tasks.

• Prioritize your tasks and do the ones most important to you if you cannot do them all.

• Break your tasks down into smaller steps that are easier to handle.

• Concentrate on what you can control.

• Get help with financial problems by talking to an oncology social worker or a financial adviser.

Look Good Feel Better RBOI has partnered with the Look Good Feel Better program, which offers free workshops to women undergoing cancer treatment. Trained and certified beauty professionals give lessons on skin and nail care, cosmetics, wigs and turbans, and accessories and styling. The lessons help bring some normality back to a life disrupted by cancer.

RBOI will hold workshops in our offices in The Villages on February 10 and in TimberRidge on February 17. Both workshops meet from 2 to 4 p.m. and registration is required. Visit www. lookgoodfeelbetter.org and look for the Program Finder. Call Wendy Hall at 352527-0106 or Amy Roberts at 352-732-0277 with any questions.

BY THE NUMBERS

20 and 3

Writing in a journal for as little as 20 minutes a month for 3 months can benefit physical and emotional health.

Nearly 18 million

Adults (and 927,000 children) who have practiced meditation (2012 National Health Interview Survey)

47%

Adults who say they listen to music to manage stress (American Psychological Association 2019 Stress in America survey)

30 minutes Moderate walking per day shown to reduce stress

Patient-centered radiation oncology close to home The Villages 352.259.2200 Ocala 352.732.0277 Timber Ridge 352.861.2400 Inverness 352.726.3400 Lecanto 352.527.0106 RBOI.com

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F E B ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M

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AMERICAN FAMILY HOMES CUSTOM CHANGES BENEFIT YOU

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At American Family Homes we believe you deserve your new home, your way. This includes custom changes that make your home personal and special to you. That’s always been part of the American Family Homes experience. Bring us your ideas. Let’s collaborate on style, color and design features to create an energy efficient custom home, within budget, just the way you want it.

KNOW YOUR BUILDER

“Designing and building a custom home is a long process.

A thousand decisions need to be made, one just as important as the next. The first decision you need to make is to hire the right builder with the right experience. Don’t underestimate the importance of the relationship with your builder. American Family Homes is Committed to Quality and 100% Satisfaction. We invite your inquiry today.” - Mike Neace CUSTOM HOMES “ON YOUR LOT” FROM THE $200s OFFICE/DESIGN STUDIO 312 South Bay St., Eustis FL 32726

HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF LAKE-SUMTER

BUILDER OF THE YEAR Let’s get started. Call me today.

Mike Neace: 352-589-6004 Award Winning Home Designer, Builder, Licensed Contractor

“Committed to Quality & Satisfaction” AmericanFamilyHomesInc.com State License Number - CBC058306

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THE HIT LIST News and notes from Lake and Sumter counties.

PERSON OF INTEREST Lyris Garcia gets high marks as a teacher.

OUTSTANDING STUDENT Valerie Belvu scores in class, on court.

IN THE VILLAGES Bigger is not better for cruise ships.

MY FIRST TIME Dr. Claudia Thomas blazes trails in orthopedics.

THE HIT LIST

1,000 BOOKS: Hats off to W.T. Bland Public Library in Mount Dora for offering the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program to promote reading to newborns and toddlers, and to encourage parent and child bonding. Each child will receive a free book after the first 100, 500 and 1,000 books are read, thanks to Friends of the Library.

MAGICAL MOVE: Magical Meat Boutique, Mount Dora’s popular downtown British pub, is expected to move this month from West 3rd Avenue to 322 N. Alexander St., next to Olive Branch Mediterranean Grille, according to a Facebook post.

The new location provides more space for dining, beers on tap and, presumably, fish and chips.

A SALUTE TO A NEW SITE: Stop in and say hello to the veterans of American Legion Post 55 at 1063 W. DeSoto St., Clermont. Post 55 recently hosted the grand opening of its rebuilt facility, a project that was four years in the making following a 2015 fire. Post 55 now will be able to better support veterans and community projects, according to its Facebook page.

A BANNER DAY: If you’ve noticed some new artwork around downtown Mount Dora, it’s the result of a recent banner contest. The works of artists Christine Smith, of Umatilla, “The Sunset”; Cathy Shoemaker, of Mount Dora, “Donnelly House”; and Matt Hyland, of Mount Dora, “Sunset on the Lake,” were chosen by a panel to be displayed on city light poles.

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UP, UP AND AWAY! The annual Villages Balloon Festival begins at 2pm Feb. 7-8, with a mass balloon ascension at 7am Feb. 9 at the Polo Club, 703 N. Buena Vista Blvd.

The festival includes Cirque Bishop acts, balloon rides, a balloon glow, an antique car show, live music and more.

Admission: $15, adults, $10, kids ages 10-18. thevillagesballoonfestival.com.

SEE THE STARS: It’s not exactly primitive camping, but you still can set up a tent and stay warm with a sleeping bag at the Great Clermont Campout Feb. 8-9 at Waterfront Park. It’s a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends. No, you won’t have to hunt for food. Breakfast and dinner are provided.

352.394.3500.

FRIGHT NIGHT: See a different side of Mount Dora through the cover of darkness and learn about some of downtown’s most haunted locations.

The Mount Dora Ghost Tour, planned for 8pm Feb. 15, is a 90-minute guided excursion to venues such as Lakeside Inn, where several ghosts supposedly reside. The tour departs at Sunset Park, 230 W. 4th Ave. 407.494.5655.

ROMANCE IS IN THE AIR: On Valentine’s Day, take your relationship to new heights.

Consider a romantic date on a hot air balloon and put your loved one on Cloud Nine. Clermont Balloon Rides offers both sunrise and champagne flights.

407.761.5964.

10 ACROSS THE DIVIDE: The Studio Theatre at Tierra del Sol in The Villages is showcasing “Assassins” this month through March 1 and “Other Desert Cities” March 27-May 3. Both productions reflect on relationships that are broken by divisive opinions of loved ones, and the performers aim to reach across the divide. Visit thesharonstudio.com or call 352.751.7799 for tickets.

ALL ABOUT THAT BASS: For the second event of its 25th season, the Fishing League Worldwide arrives at the Harris Chain of Lakes Feb. 20-23, starting at 7am.

The best anglers in the world will launch from Venetian Gardens, 201 E. Dixie Ave., Leesburg. flwfishing.com/ tournaments/2020.

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PERSON OF INTEREST

PEO PLE

Lyris Garcia U.S. military veteran and teacher makes an impact at East Ridge H.S. INTERVIEWER: VICTORIA SCHLABIG

What is your greatest accomplishment? My children are my greatest accomplishments.

They are the two greatest gifts from God that I am blessed to have in my life and to help guide them through theirs to find their purpose and success.

Favorite age of students to teach? The age group that has my heart are the adolescents in high school. My heart and soul enjoy the kids at 14 years of age to 19-yearolds. This is a very crucial time in their lives where there is a lot of self-discovery and the excitement of transitioning from little kids to young adults.

Pet peeve? I hate repeating myself, except in the classroom. I do not have a problem having to repeat myself to a student so that he or she can understand content in the L V I TA AT S ST

≈ PHOTO: DOUGLAS TYLER

lesson. I loathe having to repeat myself in a conversation because it shows me that you were not paying attention to me.

Best days of your life? Without a doubt, the day my children were born, when I married my husband, my very first New Kids on the Block concert and when I graduated college.

Three words to describe yourself: I would have to say fearless, humble and generous … and that I am a huge NKOTB fan!

What’s on your bucket list? I want to take my family on a cruise vacation. Personally, I have dreamt of traveling to Italy and Greece.

Favorite movie about teaching? “Stand and Deliver” and “Dangerous Minds.”

• Born in Brooklyn, New York.

• Attended Central Texas College, St. Leo University and University of Phoenix for bachelor of science degree in information technology.

• Joined military in 1996 and served for 61/2 years.

• Teaches and runs the Executive Internship program at East Ridge High School, Clermont.

Know a person of interest? Tell us!

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Email your recommendation to victoria@akersmediagroup.com

Clearly 2020 is going to be a great year!

With help from Precision Optics.

Because we’re all about 20/20 vision, we’re offering 20% off glasses throughout 2020! Choose from nearly every designer name and frame, plus specialty lens packages including multifocal, progressive, high index, Transitions® and more, all at 20% off. We’ll also feature additional discounts throughout the year, so ask your friendly optician for details on how to save even more.

LIGHT UP 2O2O WITH

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Tavares • Leesburg • Lady Lake The Villages • Wildwood See optician for additional discounts. Discount applies to complete set of glasses, lens and frame, excludes all contact lenses. Discount is not available with insurance or vision plans. Discount does not apply for Maui Jim and Fitovers.

Sale ends 12/31/20.

OUTSTANDING STUDENT

PEO PLE

Valerie Belvu Real Life Christian Academy senior gets A’s while improving community.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

Earning my academic and sports awards and nominations.

Who is your hero or inspiration? My mom.

Favorite quote: “The

INTERVIEWER: VICTORIA SCHLABIG PHOTO: DOUGLAS TYLER

only thing better than being blessed is being a blessing.”

L V I TA AT S ST

• Born in Orlando.

• Recipient of Ray Goodgame Outstanding Student Leader Award and $1,000 scholarship.

R IE VA L E IE S A CARR A. P G .7 4

• Plays on varsity basketball team.

• Volunteers at the academy’s Kid Life program and at a group home.

Know an outstanding student? Fill us in!

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given? Remember to value yourself and that your name and respect is all that you have when you leave this earth.

If you could have dinner with anyone living or dead, who would it be? Jesus.

Do you know how much help he would give me?

Favorite food: I love all Haitian food.

Favorite type of music: R&B, Christian and hip-hop.

Favorite activity: Basketball.

Future goals and dreams: To major in law.

What’s the best advice you’ve been

Pet peeve: Bullying for no reason and fakeness.

What’s on your bucket list? To get out of the country and visit somewhere else.

Email your recommendations to victoria@akersmediagroup.com

IN THE VILLAGES

CO MMENTARY

‘Big is bad’ Mega-cruise ships aren’t better for seniors.

STORY: JOE ANGIONE

merica’s cruise lines believe “big is better”: longer ships, wider ships, more decks, more high-energy activities, more on-ship shopping opportunities, more expensive, extra-cost restaurants, more ways to get you to spend money over and above the initial price of your cruise.

For many seniors who cruise on today’s mega-ships, “big is bad.” I just came off a seven-day cruise on Royal Caribbean’s 220,000-ton, four-football-fields-long, 16-deck-tall Allure of the Seas. It made me tired and disappointed. To reach dining rooms, theaters, swimming pools, sports activities and nearly anywhere you’re going from your stateroom, the walk often was 100 yards there and then 100 yards somewhere else.

In contrast, the Titanic, the most famous and largest ocean liner of its day, was a mere 40,000 tons. Everything passengers wanted on board was only a short stroll away.

The beautiful “centrum” on the main deck of one of today’s average-size cruise ships—with an atrium that soars upward eight or 10 decks and features a posh open area for dancing, listening to music, having a drink and conversing with other

guests—is absent from today’s megaships. In its place is a concourse offering expensive stores and pricy restaurants.

The elegance is gone; the joy of leisurely socializing is lost.

On those full days at sea, there’s nowhere on these huge ships, except your own stateroom, that isn’t crowded. Pools and outdoor lounge areas are tightly packed with young, “20-somethings” boisterously enjoying themselves without a care for older guests hoping for a quiet day taking in the sun. About 6,500 passengers were crammed on board the Allure of the Seas, which, though massive, offered no more space-per-passenger than found on an ordinary-size ship.

Cruise lines tell you that when their giant ships are in port, people may choose to stay on board and enjoy all of the ship’s now uncrowded facilities.

This isn’t true because many of the ship’s dining locations, bars, and sports and entertainment facilities are either open for reduced hours in port or closed altogether.

Mega-ships are designed for youthful cruisers, the hard-partying crowd that doesn’t have time for spending more than seven days at sea. If you’re looking for a quieter cruising experience, fun-filled but less frenzied, select a cruise that’s longer than seven days on an ordinary-size (100,000 tons or less) ship. You’ll be so glad you did.

Joe Angione loves to share stories of his adventures.

If you want to contact him, email joeangione@aol.com.

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MY FIRST TIME

PEO PLE

Dr. Claudia Thomas Orthopedic surgeon recalls falling in love with her field.

INTERVIEWER: THERESA CAMPBELL

outed as a leader in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, Dr. Claudia Thomas made her mark as the first African-American female orthopedic surgeon in the United States.

She is on staff at UNOVA Health Clinic in Lady Lake.

“Going into orthopedics was an evolution,” says the Queens, New York, native who was blessed with artistic talent, a love for math and manual dexterity that she felt would come in handy as a surgeon.

However, it wasn’t until Claudia’s junior year of medical school at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore that she knew the type of surgery she wanted to do. She was invited into the operating room to see the reshaping of a femur bone in a young man who had a condition that caused his hip to be deformed.

What about your first time?

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≈ PHOTO: ANTHONY RAO

“I scrubbed my hands, put on a gown and gloves and was being taught by an enthusiastic orthopedic surgeon who clearly loved what he did,” Claudia says, adding that the case involved problem solving, geometry and cutting a triangular wedge to straighten the bone and the man’s hip.

“They let me put a screw in the bone. They let me use the drill.

They showed me how to put the hardware in the bone and to hold the femur in the new position, and I thought, ‘This is it. This is my field,’” she says.

Claudia now focuses on noninvasive treatments and has developed a special interest in osteoporosis, an age-related disease that generally occurs in men and women after age 50.

“Osteoporosis is under-diagnosed,” she says, noting it’s often not evident until someone breaks a hip, shoulder or wrist.

“Fractures are deadly and hip fractures kill more women than breast cancer does.”

If you’d like to share your first time doing a significant event, email theresa@akersmediagroup.com

L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • F E B ' 2 0

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THIS 'N' THAT

CO MMENTARY

Journalism is dead These days, everybody thinks they’re a writer.

STORY: CHRIS GERBASI

≈ ILLUSTRATION: MEGAN MERICLE

ad news today from the publishing world, where we’ve learned exclusively that journalism has died. Journalism, whose roots can be traced to the hieroglyphics of ancient Egyptians, had its breakout year in 1440 with Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press. Its popularity peaked in the 1970s with the Watergate investigation.

Journalism had been in declining health in recent years, however, and died surrounded by family and friends at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Hollywood. Cause of death: the internet.

In other news …

Yes, journalism is dead, killed not by the fake news reports of television talking heads, but rather by the notion that anyone with a

tablet and a blog is a “reporter.” Or a “writer.”

Or a “responsible human being.” The internet and social media make everyone think they’re part of the news.

Please stop. You’re diluting the talent pool.

If everyone believes they’re competent at a profession, is the profession really specialized any longer? For example, everyone can make an incision in your chest, but wouldn’t you rather leave that to a cardiologist?

Maybe journalism’s heart is still beating, though, because everybody wants to break into the business. A recent Akers want ad—true story—attracted 90 résumés from cities as far away as New York, Des Moines and Galveston.

Some applicants lacked writing experience. (You

want to be a writer? Here’s a tip: Learn how to spell-check your résumé.) Some lacked any experience at all. And most of them were misguided.

We heard from purchasing managers and payroll clerks, annuities specialists and golf pros. If the owners of Akers Media Group instead ran Akers Country Cafe, we could’ve hired an entire staff on the spot: hostesses, servers, cooks, bartenders, managers, all with a hunger to write. The Dunkin’ Donuts manager who applied would have been perfect for bringing treats to our staff meetings.

Lots of kids just out of college were looking for a job. Obviously, they’ve heard about the get-rich-quick potential of journalism. As I write this, I’m reclining on my 60-foot yacht, dictating to my personal assistant, Svetlana, while transferring some funds to my offshore accounts. Some applicants thought they were suited for magazine writing because of their work in related fields like TV, radio, film, podcasts, websites, blogs, marketing—ugh. Will someone please explain to the world that marketing is not journalism?

One applicant was fluent in Turkish.

Finally, Akers can expand its publications with Lake & Turkey Style. Another one was a journalist with Walt Disney World News Today, but we didn’t want to be accused of being a Mickey Mouse operation. One prospect was a “brick specialist” at a Lego store, but we didn’t know if he could play well with others.

We did seriously consider the translator/ interpreter to help us understand our Healthy Living assignments, and the infant room teacher to monitor the Editorial Department.

On the other end of the spectrum were ridiculously overqualified people such as bestselling authors and academic types.

A woman from Houston had multiple master’s degrees in oceanography and a job involving the NASA Johnson Space Center. Apparently, that’s not compelling enough for her. She’d rather be writing “quick bites” about the new lunch specials at Ramshackle Cafe.

A House Homeland Security press and staff assistant sent a résumé. The House?

Hey, what are you trying to pull? We don’t want any investigations over that fishy

advertising agreement we made with Ukraine Dental.

Perhaps the most farflung résumé came from a housekeeping room attendant at Yellowstone National Park. So, let’s see, she’s idly cleaning the restroom and thinking, “I’d really like to write for a regional magazine in Central Florida. Sure beats Old Faithful.” Of course, she’s well-trained to endure the men’s bathroom here, where one of our employees also is known as Old Faithful.

The most tantalizing candidate was a multimedia news journalist, hostess and Maxim model—you’re killing me—who most certainly would have won the swimsuit portion of our application process. Unfortunately, she stumbled during the evening gown competition. We will be following her career closely. We expect great things.

Come one, come all, and God help us all.

Journalism is dead. Long live journalism.

Do you want my job?

Comment on this article or share ideas for new stories by emailing chris@akersmediagroup.com.

CHRIS GERBASI

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‘PO IS T

OPS TOPS Retired educator Jim Mariucci’s success in real estate is capped with the 2019 Realtor of the Year award.

STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL

≈ PHOTOS: DOUGLAS TYLER

good educator shares knowledge and inspires others to continue to learn and excel. Jim Mariucci made that his mission for 33 years as a Sumter County Schools educator, followed by a second career as a Realtor in which he was instrumental in starting a Leadership Development Program for his peers.

The sales associate at Oxford Land Company was praised as a shining example of what it takes to be Realtor of the Year during the Realtors Association of Lake & Sumter Counties’ awards banquet in December at Lake Receptions in Mount Dora.

Jim, 68, of Wildwood, was touted for going “above and beyond” in his profession and for the association. He served as the RALSC president in 2015 and has chaired the Education Committee several times. He was cited for always being open and willing to give his time and talents back to the association, and for his passion and commitment to education.

“It’s a tremendous accomplishment, and I feel so blessed,” Jim says, adding that the coveted award came as a surprise until tidbits about him were read aloud at the ceremony.

“The first clue was ‘he’ and then ‘Sumter County School System,’” says Jim, who was nominated by last year’s winner, Kim Ducharme-Levensohn, a Realtor with Morris Realty

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& Investments, based in Leesburg. “My family has known Jim for years,” Kim says. “He is just a tremendous man on the inside and out. He’s professional and has integrity. He’s always willing to give back to the community and to the Realtors Association.”

Kim served with Jim when he was president of the association and she was president-elect. His nickname was Pops, and Kim says Jim was a father figure and mentor to her.

“So, when I became president, he gave me a teddy bear that said ‘Pops’ on it.

Anytime I had a question or concern, he was there to help,” she says, adding that Jim was the person she could always go to for advice. “And it’s still that way,” Kim adds.

Robbie Shoemaker, a broker with Flamingo Real Estate & Management in Wildwood, was a student and baseball player when he first knew Jim as his baseball coach before the two men were co-workers at Oxford Land Company.

“I was very excited and very happy for him,” Robbie says of Jim being named the top Realtor.

“The Realtors Association award is not for the amount of the deals that you do or income (in sales). Jim has been heavily involved in education and has truly given back to the industry with his time and energy.”

Robbie adds that Jim has been active in real estate education on the local and state levels.

“By the time he got involved in real estate, he started serving on the board and he was always taking classes to better his skills,” Robbie recalls. “He would do anything for you. He’s just a phenomenal person. He’s also a Southern Jersey boy!”

Calling Wildwood home Jim left his childhood home in Rahway, New Jersey, in 1969 to go to college and play baseball for four years at Saint Leo University, outside of Dade City. He welcomed the chance to get away from the snow and cold winters in New Jersey for warm, sunny Florida. He was joined at Saint Leo by his high school sweetheart, Kathy, who became his wife nearly 48 years ago.

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“In my senior year, the athletic director told Kathy that there was an opening in Wildwood for a teacher position,” Jim says, adding Kathy was encouraged to apply to gain experience.

Once Kathy was offered the job, she told school system administrators about Jim’s degree in physical education.

“We both came to Wildwood and have been in Wildwood ever since,” Jim says, recalling the move in 1973, when Wildwood had only one traffic light and the agricultural area was a far cry from the 50,000-some population in Rahway.

“But I just kind of fell in love with Wildwood, the area and the people,” Jim says, adding Wildwood has been a wonderful community in which to raise their two children, Rick and Laurie.

Jim’s 33-year career with Sumter County Schools began with a job as Wildwood Elementary School’s physical education teacher for two years, followed by working at the intermediate school.

He also taught high school math for 16 years, and served as the school system’s curriculum coordinator, baseball coach and principal at the intermediate school and middle school, before going to the county office as director of secondary education. He retired from the school system in 2005.

He enjoyed all phases of his education career, calling it gratifying on different levels.

“The little kids always want to come up and hug you. They’re very, very impressionable, and I enjoyed working with the older kids with a little bit more maturity on them. You could talk to them a little bit differently than the little kids,” says Jim, adding that on the administrative side, he dealt more with parents, staff and contract workers.

After Jim retired, his good friend Reggie Caruthers, a broker for Oxford Land Company, encouraged him to go into the real estate field.

“We were both in Wildwood Rotary at the same time,” Jim says. “And Reggie said, ‘Why don’t you get into real estate? You’re a people person.’”

Jim hesitated—at first—before deciding to give it a try. He earned his real estate license in 2007.

“My first transaction was a residence, a first-time home buyer for his first house, and it was exciting. I finally made a little money,” Jim says, adding that Reggie was a valuable mentor about the real estate business.

“It was a completely different field from what I was used to. Dealing from the education field to the business world was kind of a learning curve,” Jim says. “Real estate was completely different. All of a sudden you get a phone call on a Saturday morning of ‘I’d like to see your properties,’ so that was a big thing to understand and deal with.”

He became involved in the Realtors Association of Lake & Sumter Counties, a group of about 2,500 members, and served on the board of directors from 2011-2016. In addition to being board president in 2015, he also served as chairman of the Education Committee for two years and oversaw policies on two different occasions.

Jim’s commitment to education led him to starting the Leadership Development Program, which resulted in 17 people in four years becoming involved in the board, and several other members chairing different committees.

“This kind of goes back to my education days, knowing that when you start looking at administration, you’re looking at a flow process,” Jim says of getting Realtors active in leadership with the association and in attending the Florida Realtors’ conferences, including the Great American Realtors Day in Tallahassee.

“We work extremely hard,” Jim says, adding that Realtors guide a gamut of clients, from baby boomers to millennials, through the process of buying or selling properties.

“There can be anxiety for buyers in getting qualified, getting the loan and making sure they have all the ducks in a row. It can be overwhelming,” Jim says.

“And our job is to walk them through that, to make it come across as comfortable as it can be, and they can understand.”

Jim says the best part of being involved in the Realtors Association of Lake & Sumter Counties is interacting with his peers.

“I really enjoy the networking,” he says.

“There are a lot of hardworking Realtors out there and it’s great to be associated with them.”

“THE REALTORS ASSOCIATION AWARD IS NOT FOR THE AMOUNT OF THE DEALS THAT YOU DO OR INCOME (IN SALES). JIM HAS BEEN HEAVILY INVOLVED IN EDUCATION AND HAS TRULY GIVEN BACK TO THE INDUSTRY WITH HIS TIME AND ENERGY.” —ROBBIE SHOEMAKER, FLAMINGO REAL ESTATE & MANAGEMENT

CH AT WITH JIM

Favorite room in your house?

What makes you laugh?

Living room to watch TV.

A good comedy.

What was the best advice you received? The toughest part of

The best thing about coming home? Seeing my wife.

How do you spoil yourself? By

being good is that you have to prove it every day. Every day is new.

How many homes have you owned?

One. I live in the same house we had built in the 1970s. It’s where our two kids grew up.

What do you love about Wildwood? My friends are here, and my family is close, in Ocala and Lakeland.

going fishing.

Which historical event do you wish you could have seen with your own eyes? The

Would you go back to life without the internet? Heck yes!

Yankees winning the World Series.

What makes your home feel like home to you? My family.

Who do you go to for wise advice? My wife.

What are the little things in life that you enjoy? Fishing,

What do you still want to learn? Anything that I can.

family time and being able to see my grandchildren play soccer.

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TOP

REALTORS

Top producers Congratulations to the Top Producers of the Realtors® Association of Lake & Sumter Counties.

MultiMillion-Dollar Club All Florida Homes Realty LLC

Beacon Real Estate & Associates

Karen Scarbrough Alexander Scopino

Ashley Robey

Geraldine “Gerri” Rosenthal Al Spry

Century 21® Prime Property Resources Inc.

Coldwell Banker® Residential Real Estate

BNB Realty Inc.

Summer Alvis Kelly S. Rice Cortney Smith

Sandra J. Krumrine, P.A. Betty Salas

Century 21® Professional Group

Coldwell Banker® The Rager Group

Lori Walker

Jamie Bevelacqua Renee Goergen April Rager

Amerivest Realty

Joyce Plant Arellano Realty & Investments

Karin Arellano Theresa Kay Ashley Pun Arrow Realty & Investments Inc.

Anita C. Dinard Randy Heimos Rena MacPhee Cheri Renner Kutch Asano Real Estate LLC

Leslie Campasano

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty

Jinx Bright Billie Dahl Bob David Collie Hendrickson Lynn Risch Mike Rivera Candace Van Waes Mary Jo Williams Kara Wisely Berkshire Hathaway-Villages

Jim McCallum

Assist2Sell Buyers & Sellers

Bill Webb Real Estate & Investments Inc.

Karen Tefft

William M. Webb

Bassett Premier Realty

Sharon Bassett

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Black Tie Real Estate & Investments

Mark Dyer Michael Ritzenthaler

Lori Baker Doug Hampton Paula M. Purvis BonJorn Real Estate

Pamela S. BonJorn CAN Realty LLC

Charles Rutenberg Realty Orlando

Nicole May

Angela Blanchette Denise J. Guthrie

Carlino Commercial Group Inc.

Clermont Lakes Realty Inc.

Jeff Carlino Marty Bouhall Alex Vonhartman Catherine Hanson Real Estate Inc.

Jill Moorman Leslie Hanson Rotarius Century 21® Alton Clark

Joe Hamblin Regina Rodriguez Ted Trawick

L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • F E B ' 2 0

Kimberly Bergin Coldwell Banker® Camelot Realty

Alyse Carter Robin Costoplos Daemon Fields Denise Hedrick Linda Kellerman Dana Latimer Willi Mitchell Bob Podell Mollie J. Podell Lori Reisman

Coldwell Banker® Tony Hubbard Realty

Richard Bisaillon Pam Eddy Kaley Hansen Lisa Haynes Terry Mosley Jean Nunn Maria Rodriguez Andrea Summers Lydia Todd Linda B. Weber Vici Winn Coletti Real Estate Inc.

Cynthia L. Coletti

Connie Mahan Real Estate Group

Connie Mahan Samantha Merritt

Jamie ManseneLingard Down Home Properties LLC

Crosby & Associates Inc.

Angela Baker Melanie Moyse

Richard Xavier Gonzalez

Dunn Realty

Dan Snyder Realty Services Inc.

Daniel L. Snyder

Jamie Dunn Mary Dunn Sean Dunn Duteau Realty Inc.

Dana Realty Group LLC

Jessica Duteau

Dana Fassett Linda Killoran

Empire Network Realty

Dave Lowe Realty Inc.

Kirby Cartwright IV Nova Fuller Kathy Ghearing Michele Lowe Pamela Myers Andrew Nolan Janet Shatzer Andrew A. Stasky Discover Florida Realty

Simon Ambrose

Diana Barber, P.A. Diana Mahadeo Encore Premier Realty Inc.

Ken Roberts Jr. Engel & Volkers

Joao Victor Berriel Patrick Frank Bianchi Jr. Celia Davis Colleen T. DonlevyBurns Doreen Landi

TOP Tracie Ruffolo ERA® Grizzard Real Estate

Jeanie Baggelaar Nivia Baijnath Melissa Barnes Richard Batts Terri Beard Stacy Bracewell Paul Carraway Lisa Carter Toni Chapman Kaylyn Connett Karen Giehl Jessica Graham Christina Grant Lauri Grizzard Ricky Harper Ryan Heitman Felecia Humphrey Olga Jakubowski Shannon King Tammy King Dalemarie LambWitter Lauralyn Lane Roxanne Logan Loretta Maimone Karol McDermott Hope Medina Dustin Meyers Ira Miller Marilyn Morris Genie Muldoon Cole Myers Misty Noland Shawna Pancari Kara Puryear Becky Race Sharon Rankin Katherine ReegPolfer Jim Richardson Lindsay Sellars Margaret Smith Jeanne Sutton Gloria Tabor Jeanne Thomas Carole Thompson Julie Townsend Doug Troyer Kenneth Weber Cynthia Wheeler Page Whittle Sharon Wooten Craig Yox EXIT® Realty TriCounty

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Chris Feamster Matthew Fenlon

Debbie Gentry Michael Harris Dagma Leblanc-Pond Donald Maycott Monica McDonald Anthony Piccione Kenny Riehm James Torrance Dawn Williams

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Fierce Realty

Carolyn M. Maimone Stacy Potter, P.A.

Future Home Realty Inc.

Susan Moeller

Flamingo Real Estate & Management LLC

Garden Gate Real Estate Inc.

Robert A. Shoemaker

Barry Blake

Florida Fine Homes Realty LLC

Global Properties Realty & Investments

Jill Buckley Laura Ann Carver Catherine Ann Tarquini Florida First Realty Associates LLC

Michelle Ressler Florida Lifestyle Realty Group

Taimi Guillot Global Properties Sales and Management LLC

Bill Marsh Grizzard Commercial Real Estate Group

Karen M. Riscinto

Michael Pederson Daniel Tatro

Florida Plus Realty LLC

Hancock Real Estate

Claire Brooks Lesley Greenslade Robert Mager Nicola Martz Jessica McKinney June Moore Norma Sebert Margie Smith Tonya M. Tibbetts Celie White

Matthew L. Mobley

Florida Realty Investments

Gail Barnard Alice McKillips Jeri Anarumo Four Star Home Brokers Inc.

Linda D. Biggs Garnet Eversole Colleen Kramer Foxfire Realty

Fran Dann-Akin Hope Deszell Joyce Ann Ellis Nancy Fallon Debra Kline

Harbor Hills Sales Inc.

Adam Rich Sean Rich High Cotton Realty LLC

Ginger Mansour

Karen Kamperman Brenda Perry Cindy Schutte Zach Watson Keller Williams® Elite Partners III Realty

Crystal Bracero Christi Charpia Regina Cruz Cheryl S. Glover, CRS Beth Gravilla Susan Halverson, P.A. Tiki Jackson Anamaria Marquez Brandi MathisonKlein Tom McKnight Rosemary Siegler Gale L. Springer Debra Vallier Melinda Weprin Keller Williams® Elite Partners IV Realty

James Armstrong III Bryan W. Nelson, P.A. Chad Williams Eddy Workinger Kelty Realty LLC

John Kelty Kreidel Realty Group

Ashton Kreidel La Rosa Realty Horizons LLC

Sabine Bayona Sonya L. Dumas Terri Kuebbeler Bobby Orr La Rosa Realty Winter Garden LLC

HomeRun Realty LLC

Samuel Cruz, P.A.

Lana Flodman Elizabeth Izquierdo

La Rosa Realty LLC

JMR Realty Inc.

Lake Real Estate Group

James Romeyn John Roberts Realty

Michael Alberson Connie Eaton Keller Williams® Cornerstone Real Estate

Carlos A. Fuentes, P.A.

Paul Tangalan

LoKation Real Estate

Olympus Executive Realty Inc.

Steven Simpkins

Reto Badraun, P.A. Melanie Bigio Sharon Black Marsha Burton Gordon Sinnia Calderon, LLC Maria Castro Aversano, P.A. Marcus Correa, P.A. Ralph Federico Andre Hernandez Karina Labarca, P.A. Danay Lay Jay McGriff Jr. Jorge Mulet Sr., P.A. Kirstie O’Banner, P.A. Auristela Perez Carrasquero Mary Poillion, P.A. Nancy Pruitt, P.A. Krichely Rodriguez Gonzalez, P.A. Jacqueline Rogers Cindy Sapp Wilfred Sierra Sosa, P.A. Monico Velez, LLC Leonardo Vidal, P.A.

Lowry Realty LLC

Sandy Trzaska Micki Blackburn Realty

Patricia Lynn Daries Larry Hilton Michael Lovett Cindy Newman Dale Odom Eileen Patterson Joe Patterson Annie Ragar Mid-Florida Real Estate Broker

Susan Ellis Mission Inn Real Estate Inc.

Mary Jane Easley Janet L. Pratt Morris Realty and Investments

Kim DucharmeLevensohn Lauren Fickett Lynn Haynes Jo Leen Howe Camie Kennedy Theresa Ann Morris Guy Shipley Kevin Shipley Scott Strem Lena Williams

Optima One Realty Inc.

Caleb Cox Joshua Earley Drew Evans Jon Powell Tony Stanley Amber Steadham Orlando Homes & Investments

Noel Moenssens

Nancie Lyons Realty Inc.

PAL Realty

Nancie Lyons Narrow Road Realty

Bradley Verkaik NextHome Orange Blossom Real Estate

Cary Fier Betty J. Fitch Linda Grabusic Mary Jane Grimes Parrish Realty Group Inc.

Michelle Parrish

Ana Afshin

Picket Fence Realty LLC

Number One Choice Realty Corp

Melissa Samar

Daulis Webb

Preferred Real Estate Brokers III

List Now Realty LLC

Ocala Realty World LLC

Matt Buttner

Kimberly Jaye McElroy

Vivienne Cunningham, P.A. Mario Deniz Michael S. Huculak Tommy Mydlo Rachel E. Rivera Pamela D.H. Tarver

Jearri Bush Brandi Stewart

Loch Realty Group

Rob Crawford

REALTORS

Christopher L. Walker, P.A. RE/MAX® Results Real Estate

Elaine Giddens Jim Middleton Jr. RE/MAX® Freedom

April Couturier Scott Hubbard Jacob Pfaff Kellie Wheeler RE/MAX® Neighborhood Professionals

Dawn Brooks Kimberly JonesWilde, P.A. Adriana Shimoki Skoloda RE/MAX® Premier Realty

Kimberly Aschman Lynn Bartlett LD Black Carla Boyd Terri Bramlett Barbara Breuer Marianne Buchanan Lynn Bucklew Buddy Clark Mary Colbert Melissa “Missy” Conway Tammy Dunseath Holly A. Farley Valerie Foerst Tammy Freilich Marty Goff Heather Hamilton Thomas D. Heller John Hoad Lisa Hoad Erica Jacobs Gina Johnson Katy Kelly Andy Key Sharon King Buddy Lewis Debbie Martin Jarene Mathias Gerrie C. Matias Genevieve Matos Faith Mileo Thomas J. Oldenborg Robert Payne, P.A. Larry Quartararo III Marie Rich Debbie Roberts Rose Esposito Rupe Bradley W. Salmons Patti Shappy Jaylene Sheldon Diane Siefkas Robert Slutsky John D. Starr

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TOP

REALTORS Cindy Steinemann Roland Stults Kendall Vansant Jimmy Wendrickx Hope Wilson Joy Wilson Deborah Woods RE/MAX® Results

Ron Phillips RE/MAX® Titanium Group

Melissa Becorest Joe Cooper Darlene Misciagno Stephen Misciagno Maria Molina Keith Packey Corrine Ritzel Michele Rueff Ashley Taylor RealTeam Realty Inc.

Trish Leisner Realty Executives® in The Villages

Kathy Abruzzo Robert A. Berube Kandis Buse Gail Carter Walter Coe

Sherri Crider Sheila Davis Tim Davis Poppy Donnelly, SRES, CIPS Sean Donnelly, SRES, CIPS Jeffrey M. Dyer Lisa Esposito Amanda Fincher, LLC Gary R. Gompers Mary Grant Vickie K. Iverson Douglas Lange Karla Mason Anette McCullough Rick McKean Donna Normington Sunny Parsons Donna Pattemore Frances Pierce, P.A. Jana Raber Steve Savage, P.A. Peggy Schaefer Pasquale Serafino Maria Seymour Cissie Smith Realty Professionals of Florida LLC

Julie Clay Jennifer George Robert Hughes Frank Ranfone

Harvey Rosenberg

Sally Love Real Estate Inc.

St. Clair Realty Group LLC

Travis Realty Group

Regal Real Estate Professionals LLC

Linda Engelbrecht Laura Jensen Matt Jensen Carol Julianelli Jayne Marvin Lori Morgan Nathan Piotrowski Cheryl L. Probert Jeannie Ulmer Cindy Wise

Tina St.Clair

Frances Post Joy Ray Diane Travis

Sellstate Superior Realty

TerZa Real Estate

Dawn Giachetti Janet Hoffman Right Realty Connection Inc.

Bethany BurgeBosbous Geoffrey S. Chernault Robert Slack LLC

Randall Kain Tonya Lathrop Nicky Lerch Kimberly J. Scudder Jane Valentzas Roberts Real Estate Inc.

William Blankenship Robb Harrison Carolyn Roberts John Roberts Diane Trexler

Diane L. Gatelein Linda J. Sears Susan Wellington Jack Wilson Maureen E. Wilson Smith & Smith Realty Inc.

Danny Smith Southern Style Management

Matthew J. Ferland

Rock Springs Realty LLC

Spruce Creek Real Estate LLC

Joel Bornstein Dawna C. Hosier

Katy Crouse

Stake Your Land Realty Inc.

Katina Hargrove Stellar Real Estate Agency LLC

Nikki Serrano Delphine Lampert The Corcoran Connection LLC

Nancy Simpson Eccles Jennifer Garrison The Florida Property Shop Sales & Rentals Inc.

Sarah Gholami Touchstone Real Estate

Cindy Coldren Addie Owens

Tyre & Taylor Commercial Realty Inc.

Don Oliver Vangie Berry Signature Realty

Ryan Berry Brenda Flagg Duane Lanier Angela Phillips Michael Tart Susan Tindel

Jo Ann Larsen Henry Lemons Nancy McCloskey Monique McGuire, P.A. Rhonda Moretti Breezy Owens Elliott Owens Jody Parks Kris Persaud Denise Pierce Larry Pierce Lisa Rewis Christine Tangusso Lisa West Ana Zitnick Weichert, Realtors® Hallmark Properties

Mary Baker Louise M. Janssen

Debby Barrett Lynne Cox Betty Hensinger Leslie Jarrard

Watson Realty Corp.

Wheatley Realty Group

Renee (Gigi) Capria Daniel Dahl Kay Hill Cheryl Hilty-Huth Melissa A. Horbal Kimberly Koch Linda Lake

Alison Wheatley Matthew Wheatley

Empire Network Realty

Jill Doss Bonnie Drawdy Ian Drummond Douglas DuVarney Christine Graf Lisa Jones Jennifer Luginbuhl John Maiorino Lia May Diana Miguel Kristen Myer Kathleen O’Brien Rex Rutledge Brian Smith Mary Lou Stancil Ann Van De Veer Carlin Washo Leslie Williamson Jenna Wood Sidney Wright

Visionary Properties Inc.

Million-Dollar Club Arellano Realty & Investments

Diana Kepley Diana Suarez Susie Westbrook Arrow Realty & Investments Inc.

Geoffrey Binneveld Asano Real Estate LLC

Vincent Campasano Bassett Premier Realty Inc.

Bobby Moore Delynda Pratt Glori Hooke Nathan Burlingame

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Florida Realty

Kristie Baumgartner Bill Bazner Dawn Bush Darlene Clark Jessica Essig Jamie Lynn Hane Selina Hicks Brittany Knight Joanne Levy Shella O’Brien Michele Pietrowski BonJorn Real Estate

Patricia Hopkins Genger Narehood Brenda DeArmond

Brenda DeArmond

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Carlino Real Estate Group Inc.

Coldwell Banker® Camelot Realty

Al Bruns Judy Kilgus Karen D. LaMantia

Lisa Atkinson Susan Branch Patricia Casey William L. Casey Pat Champion Marilyn Hottle Joseph Hutto Ray Levy

Catherine Hanson Real Estate Inc.

Cheryl Mullen Kellie Powell Century 21® Alton Clark

Kathi Hill Anne Sasser Century 21® Prime Property Resources Inc.

Carl LaScala Nicole Sanders Tucci

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Coldwell Banker® Stevens Real Estate

Barbara McGuire Crista Moffett Jeremy Stevens Coldwell Banker® The Rager Group

Shirley Guercio Lisa Roberts

Coldwell Banker® Tony Hubbard Realty

Paul Bills Stephanie Summers Dana Vander Meer Cook & Company Realty Inc.

Bethany Ann Johnson Dave Lowe Realty Inc.

Stephenie Winheim Down Home Properties LLC

Kristen Pillar E-Direct Realty LLC

Jann Knight

Sara Sutherland Encore Premier Realty Inc.

Danielle Roberts Engel & Völkers

Trisha Browne Jason Keller Janella Martina Cathleen McGrath Jo Lynn Nicholson Juli Onorata Tamara Quilling Michelle Ritson Donald Toldson ERA® Grizzard Real Estate

Susan Aicher Sue Candela Bill Deese

EXIT® Realty TriCounty

Steven Boone Sean Boyd

TOP Suzanne Esenwein Jaret Whitney

Keller Williams® Elite Partners III Realty

EXP® Realty LLC

Edward Lian Christine E. Newsome

Breanna Mansfield Danny Torchia Sara Vaughn

PAL Realty

Debra Askew Aileen Indictor Kirk Morel Sheryl Mowry-Miller Lisa Wolfinger

Keller Williams® Elite Partners IV Realty

Patterson Realty

Fallman Properties

Debra Fallman

Brad Rosel

Pileggi Real Estate Group

Florida First Realty Associates LLC

La Rosa Realty Horizons LLC

Teresa Pileggi

Oscar Brea

Preferred Real Estate Brokers III

La Rosa Realty LLC

Anyssia Singh

Concetta Germain

Yanett Daniele Saborido

Property Finders Nguyen Realty

Four Star Home Brokers Inc.

Lake Real Estate Group

Brenda B. Herr Carole Keane

Justin Stewart

Melody Ostrom Florida Plus Realty LLC

Foxfire Realty

Terry Buyers Randy Erb Robert Loiselle Teresa Ouellette Ruthie Schmoyer Linda C. Smith Russell Stevens John Tanzi Greg Wood Garden Gate Real Estate Inc.

Jami Robinson Global Properties Sales and Management LLC

Linda B. Marsh Grizzard Commercial Real Estate Group

Thomas N. Grizzard John Roberts Realty

Cheryl Roberts Janel Semonasky Fred Slotnick Samantha Sprague Keller Williams® Cornerstone Real Estate

Andrew Smith

Micki Blackburn Realty

Dan Brady Ricky Cabrera Jane Franklin Janet Gibbs Kerri Leininger Myra Paxton

Janice Patterson

Kim Beisley Tiffany Lawson RE/MAX® Premier Realty

Leslie Verkaik

Michael E. Baas Keith Caulk Judi Johnson

Mike Diorio Vrex Isaac Oxford Land Company

Realty Professionals of Florida LLC

Douglas Silber Tess Uddenback Slack

Greg Sizer

RE/MAX® Premier Realty Inc.

Optima One Realty Inc.

Scott Dunn Darcie Furnier Melissa Huennekens Diana Killen Alan M. Lauder Cheryl Simmons

RE/MAX® Neighborhood Professionals

Narrow Road Realty

Carrie Baril Bob Currie Frank Dolney Josh Duclos Mandy Gerow, P.A. Jim Limpus Kirsty Pitts Mary Stallone Donna Wall Sandra Wyhnanaskyj, P.A.

Realty Executives® in The Villages

Right Realty Connection Inc.

Joan M. Defoe

Olympus Executive Realty Inc.

Enger Ruchelle Barnes

Jeannene Case

Debbie Affatato Peter M. Hettmann Matthew Kaczmarczyk Kim Luxem Sharon Wick Judi Willetts

Morris Realty and Investments

Realty Executives Gallery Properties

RE/MAX® Premier Realty Lady Lake

David Gonzalez Bonnie Graham Leslie Harker Martha Lewis Marilyn Ptalis Patricia Toale RE/MAX® Titanium Group

Sarah Matey Mark Mitchell Edward Sloniker RealTeam Realty Inc.

Robert Slack LLC

The Florida Property Shop Sales & Rentals Inc.

Michael Randazzo Elizabeth Turner Touchstone Real Estate

Visionary Properties Inc.

Judy Blundell Jody Zeller Watson Realty Corp.

Weichert Realtors® Hallmark Properties

Anje Connor Ric Smelser April Stevenson Wheatley Realty Group

Bobbi Bain

Jonathan Faw Carliena Rivera Robin Skaggs

Tyre & Taylor Realty Inc.

Watson Realty Corp., Realtors®

Xcellence Realty Inc.

Sue Hooper W. Glenn Tyre

Michael Hammert Noel Lawrence Allen O. Mates, P.A. Camille Ruiz Ellen Tidwell

Eugene W. Cusie

Vangie Berry Signature Realty

REALTORS

Brandon Smith

Tera Morgan John Whipple

Platinum Lease Club

Dennis Knauss Jr. Rochette Realty LLC

Edward Arthur Rochette

ERA® Grizzard Real Estate

Haley Gerig Kyle Scholsser

Sally Love Real Estate Inc.

Michelle R. Zieth Scates Realty & Investment Properties Inc.

Ronald Pavlacka Eileen Scates Sellstate Next Generation-Ocala

Jeannine Plummer Sellstate Next Generation RealtyThe Villages

Bronwyn Talley Signature International Real Estate LLC

Colleen Taylor Mike “Turk” Taylor TerZa Real Estate

Lisa Pownall

Vickie Lingerfelt

Jim Mariucci

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From flight plans to floor plans

Sharon Bassett, Broker/Owner

Once an aspiring pilot, Sharon Bassett’s career really took off when she entered the world of home design and real estate.

PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

t’s natural for children to dream of following in the footsteps of adults who play an important role in their lives.

Sharon Bassett is no exception.

As a little girl, she loved listening to exciting stories about her grandparents doing missionary work in Africa and South America.

Her grandfather was a bush pilot, flying small planes into remote areas. Her grandmother was an anesthesiologist, who served as a missionary nurse.

In addition, her uncle owned Miami-based Amerijet International, a cargo airline that flew to various Caribbean countries.

Naturally, Sharon wanted to embark on a career that combined flying and medicine. So, she enrolled in an aeronautical course at a community college in Fort Lauderdale in hopes of becoming a medevac pilot. However, that dream quickly became grounded during one of her solo-cross country flights.

“I realized when I got up in the air that my dream of flying wasn’t something I had passion for anymore,” she says. “I preferred my feet being on the ground.”

However, a new door opened after Sharon moved to Lake County in 1985. Pringle Development, a homebuilding company, hired Sharon as design center coordinator. She instantly fell in love with her new career.

L-R: Sharon Bassett, Jenelle Littizzio, Chris Szymanski

“I realized my passion is to design homes, build homes, and sell homes,” she says.

Since then, the once-aspiring pilot has brought the real estate and home design industries to new heights.

Sharon earned her real estate license at age 22, enrolled in an interior design program in Sanford and earned her residential contractor license at age 30.

Today, she is the broker and owner of Bassett Premier Realty, Inc., located in the Spruce Creek Professional Plaza in Summerfield. Her full-service real estate firm services the real estate needs throughout the surrounding areas of Lake, Marion and Sumter County.

Sharon and her team strive to exceed their client’s expectations with providing a higher standard of excellence, which has defined their reputation and opened doors to thousands of homeowners dream homes. The company can also help clients redefine their home with design services and provide commercial and residential property management services.

“We’re a small-scale firm,” Sharon says.

“Our stature allows us to provide a level of personalized interaction with clients. Being a hands-on broker who is part of it all, is very important to me.”

Since the real estate market is vigorously competitive, Sharon realizes it takes certain qualities to distinguish herself from her peers. A great attitude, confidence in her abilities and a personable and honest approach are some of the attributes that have helped her become a consistent multi-million dollar producer.

Sharon has a team of licensed agents who share her values. They are attentive to clients’ needs and follow up every lead without delay or hesitation.

“I’m blessed to have a wonderful team, and my company wouldn’t have the success it does without them,” Sharon says. “The Lord puts people in your path for a reason. My team is a perfect fit and has a heart to serve.”

Her other agents are million-dollar and multi-million dollar producers. Sharon also says her company’s success would

not be possible without the help of Chris Szymanski, director of marketing, and Jenelle Littizzio, broker assistant.

“They’re both stars behind the scenes who make sure our customer service is impeccable,” Sharon says. “I couldn’t do what I do without them.”

Both Chris and Jenelle are in the process of earning their real estate license.

“I love working with Sharon because she is a dynamic leader who is selfless in the way of thinking about others first,” Chris says. “She ensures all clients’ needs and expectations are met. That’s a company I love representing.”

Jenelle is equally excited about being part of the Bassett team.

“Sharon is a great mentor who has taught me everything from listings to selling homes to property management,” Jenelle says. “I love being part of this boutique brokerage because I feel like I can meet the expectations of our clients more effectively.”

Of course, when selling a home, the real estate transaction is only one part of the equation. Sharon also offers home staging,

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a valuable tool in transforming a home to its highest potential resale value. Home staging adds décor and expertly dresses up the home, making it look bigger, brighter, cleaner, warmer and more loving.

Thus, the tone is set for a great first impression.

There’s no question that staging is important. In fact, a 2017 report from the National Association of Realtors found that 31 percent of potential buyers increased their offer on a home from 1-5 percent because it was staged.

Property owners also utilize Bassett Premier Realty for its property management division.

The company acts as a professional liaison between the property owner and tenant for both commercial and residential properties. The list of services provided by the staff include marketing and filling vacancies, managing tenant concerns, handling repairs and offering general maintenance.

As a licensed Residential Contractor in the state of Florida,

Sharon’s ultimate goal is to open a construction division of her business and build new, affordable homes for first-time buyers.

“There’s a shortage of affordable homes and I want to help resolve that problem,” she says.

Outside of work, Sharon enjoys spending time with her two dogs: Paris, a 4-year-old papillon/shih tzu mix, and Marley, a 10-year-old yellow Labrador retriever. Her adventurous side has remained intact, as she is an avid mountain biker who frequently rides the Santos Mountain Bike Trail in Marion County.

While becoming a pilot did not exactly pan out for Sharon, her career in real estate has truly soared.

Homes are where her heart is.

4972 NE 73RD DR, WILDWOOD

“I love helping make somebody’s dream come true,” Sharon says.

“I’m good at it. You hold their hand through the entire process and then get them to the closing table so they can move into their new home. It’s just as exciting for me as it is the new homeowner.”

See more of our listings on the next page

Eq ues tria nL ife

n ato De e k La

Surround yourself amongst 7 acres of STUNNING VIEWS throughout this AMAZING 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Waterfront Southern Plantation Estate Home on Lake Deaton. Arrive into a canopy of Live Oaks and retreat to peace & serenity of beautiful skylines from your picturesque backyard.

Highlighting a newer roof, vinyl plank floors, a bright kitchen and wood burning fireplace. The Master suite boasts trey ceilings, with sitting area, leading into a gorgeous stately Master Bath, large His/Her closets, separate hot water heater, and lake view bonus room. Impressive 1B/1B Guest House incl with separate utilities & breathtaking views of the lake.

Complete with two carports, storage building, shed/workshop and covered RV/boat parking! Just minutes away from The Villages Brownwood. Schedule your own private showing today to view this southern estate with all its charm & beauty.

Offered at $575,000

THE PRESERVE AT OAK HILL Beautiful acreage home sites available in this VERY Desirable, Prestigious and Secluded Equestrian lovers Dream PARADISE! This Picturesque Deed Restricted Equestrian Community boasts rolling hills and breathtaking views! Seek the Famous Ocala lifestyle and enjoy elegant country living, featuring: Community horse day stable, Underground utilities, Private paved roads, Street lights, Four-board fencing, All lots adjoin into 100 acres of horse backing, nature trails and boosts sensible Deed Restrictions, (no subdivide, min. 2800sq. ft. house).

Conveniently located 15 minutes from THE VILLAGES, 20 minutes south of Ocala, 45 Minutes northwest of Orlando, and 70 minutes north of Tampa.

We have several Estate Home sites available NOW! Call for an appointment TODAY! EAST GATED ENTRANCE Lot 71 / MLS #G5017746 / 8684 NW 19th Street, Wildwood / 3.87 Acres / $80,000 Lot 78 / MLS #G4838375 / 9060 NW 19th Street, Wildwood / 10.08 Acres / $110,000 Lot 83 / MLS #G5013561 / 8963 NW 19th Street, Wildwood / 12.04 Acres / $129,000 WEST GATED ENTRANCE Lot 2 / MLS #G5021264 / 2297 NW 81st Avenue, Wildwood / 4.20 Acres / $85,000 Lot 47 / MLS #G5015186 / 9894 NW 26th Street, Wildwood / 10.29 Acres / $113,000 Lot 48 / MLS #5015190 / 9899 NW 26th Street, Wildwood / 13.95 Acres / $149,000 Lot 70 / MLS #G5016290 / 2362 NW 81st Avenue, Wildwood / 2.98 Acres / $89,000

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ge rea Ac e iqu Un

11200 SE SUNSET HARBOR RD., SUMMERFIELD

Peaceful county living on 7.2 GORGEOUS Acres, with POND and a very unique, yet perfect 1 Bedroom and 1 Bath Home with a full basement and over sized One-car garage. Built in 1956, this CHARMING 1640 Sq. Ft. concrete block home has New Electrical Wiring, fresh Neutral Interior Paint, Baseboard heating, minisplit A/C with remote control, new “comfort height’ commode, Laminated Floors, huge pantry, large linen closet, Enclosed front porch with newer sliding windows, rear covered porch, ceiling fans, basement with washer, dryer, utility sink, TONS of windows and naturally lighted rooms, Newer hot water heater and paved drive. Breathtaking views of Pond, Towering oaks, palm trees and flowering bushes. Come enjoy this Florida Paradise near Lake Weir, Eaton’s Beach, Famous Gator Joe’s, The Villages and Ocala.

Only $250,000!

4880 NE 122ND AVE., OXFORD

12403 NE 52ND LOOP, OXFORD

1667 OSPREY AVE., THE VILLAGES

14329 SE 170TH ST., WEIRSDALE

9815 SE 173RD LN., SUMMERFIELD

4901 NE 123RD LN., OXFORD

FAMILY FRIENDLY! Villages of Parkwood. BEAUTIFUL 3/3 open and spacious “Holly” model with circular drive, covered lanai, gourmet kitchen with granite and huge walk-in pantry, diagonal ceramic tile, and formal living and dining. $259,000.

LOCATION! LOCATION! (10) Gorgeous Acres of vacant land in Royal Oaks. Let’s build your dream home and bring your animals. Surrounded by citrus trees and farms. Just minutes to Lake Weir, The Villages, Grand Oaks Resort Carriage Museum and Orange Blossom Opry. $183,500.

FAMILY FRIENDLY! Villages of Parkwood. LOVELY 4/2.5 “Evergreen” Model on a fenced private Homesite, Front covered and rear Screened Covered Lanai, Newer AC, Quartz countertops and ceramic tile floors. $244,500.

JUST GORGEOUS! Open and Spacious 3/2 “Dogwood” model home w/ water view. Vaulted Ceilings, laminate floors, golf car garage and MOVE IN READY! Perfectly and conveniently located in Spruce Creek South 55+ Gated Golf Community. $189,000.

FABULOUS VALUE! 2/2 “Colony” Patio Villa in The Village of Sunset Point. New Roof 2/2020, vaulted ceilings, inside laundry and “TURN KEY” Furnished! $209,900.

FAMILY FRIENDLY! Villages of Parkwood. GORGEOUS 4/2.5 “Evergreen” Model. This 2-story professionally decorated home is loaded with a TON of UPGRADES and is MOVE-IN ready! Model furnishings are available separately! $249,990.

352.307.2925 / BassettPremierRealty.com / Spruce Creek Professional Plaza / 10935 SE 177th Place, Suite 403, Summerfield

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Presents

s t s i l a Fin

DOREEN ELDER Groveland Elementary

DESIREE FERNANDEZ LISA BODWELL Astatula Elementary Beverly Shores Elementary

TEQUILA EUGENE Carver Middle

2021 LAKE COUNTY TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

2021

SARAH FOSTER Pine Ridge Elementary

TAMMY OLIVER Clermont Elementary

KERRI PRICHARD Eustis Heights Elementary

LAKESHIA MILSAP Eustis High

JOANNA TREVES Eustis Middle

GRANT ALFORD Lake Minneola High

KIMBERLY PERKINS Lake Success Academy

STEVE BAGG Lake Technical College

MITZI POMPEY Leesburg Elementary

HEIDI R. MCCULLOCH Mount Dora Middle

JOHN MASON Oak Park Middle

MELANIE VACHON Rimes ELLC

SHANNON CARTER Round Lake Charter

ANGIE HARRIS Tavares Elementary

AMY AINSLIE Tavares High

FELICIA THIBODEAU Tavares Middle

DESIREE LAWRENCE Treadway Elementary

CHRISTINE PALMER Triangle Elementary

ANNALISA DATOMMA NEIL MIDDENDORF KERRI MCCULLOUGH Clermont Middle Cypress Ridge Elementary East Ridge High

KRISTY WESTFALL JAMEILA WHITE Fruitland Park Elementary Grassy Lake Elementary

JOHN BELL Leesburg High

SHELLY DEUTSCH Gray Middle

LAUREN ROHLEDER Lost Lake Elementary

PAIGE BOWERS Umatilla High

CARIE TRACY Eustis Elementary

JENNIFER GOSS JAMIE BERRY MOLLY BUDZYNSKI Imagine South Lake Lake County Virtual School Lake Hills School

REBECCA GOMEZ Mascotte Charter

MAYRA VELEZ RIVERA MARIA HARGROVES KAREN BULICK Sawgrass Bay Elementary Seminole Springs Elementary Sorrento Elementary

CAROL CADWELL Umatilla Elementary

JEANINE HYNES East Ridge Middle

KERRY MCLAUGHLIN Umatilla Middle

SARAH WOOLDRIDGE Minneola Charter

CINDY BELLAMY Mount Dora High

KRISTY L. CARROLL South Lake High

AMANDA LONGEST Spring Creek Charter

FRAN CARAJOHN Villages Elementary

KIMBERLY BREEDING Windy Hill Middle

Presented by

Dr. Maen Hussein and Michelle Viveiros

INTRODUCING

TOPREALTORS

®

2020

The Top Realtors® 2020 features a stellar group of salespeople whose goal is not only selling, but making sure their clients are 100 percent satisfied. In fact, many of them get to know each person they deal with personally to ensure buying a home, property, or commercial space is something remembered with pride. You’ll recognize many of their faces because they’re not only Top Realtors, they’re a part of every community in Lake and Sumter counties. They share their skills and their time with a number of charities and foundations. Enjoy getting to know the Top Realtors 2020 just a little better.

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TOP

REALTORS

Melissa

Samar

Owner/Broker, Picket Fence Realty By her second year in Real Estate, Melissa Samar was a multi-million dollar producer.

In just one year of opening Picket Fence Realty in 2019, she tripled her productivity, which she accredits to an incredible work ethic and word-of-mouth.

She focuses on quality rather than quantity, so she works with only a few clients at a time. Clients work with her, not an assistant, and she answers every phone call.

Having been a Florida resident since 1978 she’s been

over just about every inch of the state, so if somebody isn’t perfect for Lake County she has Realtors all over the state to refer them to.

“What I really do enjoy at the end of the day is giving somebody a bottle of wine to crack open in their brand new home, or watching their kids grow up there. To me that’s what’s special,” Melissa says.

“Start to finish and a lifetime after’ is basically my motto.”

Clients express their gratuity online:

“I WOULD RATE MELISSA’S CONTRIBUTION AS 6 STARS OUT OF FIVE IF POSSIBLE! SHE WAS TOTALLY INVOLVED EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.” -NORMA

“MELISSA WAS ABLE TO PROVIDE ME A HANDYMAN WITH THE SKILLS TO ACCOMPLISH EVERY PROJECT, SHE ARRANGED AND COORDINATED THE FINAL CLEANING AND LANDSCAPING FOR ME. YOUR HOUSE, WHETHER SELLING OR BUYING, IS JUST AS IMPORTANT TO MELISSA AS IT IS TO YOU.” -JILL

P.O. Box 1123, Tavares 32778 ≈ 352.801.8000 realestatepro@yahoo.com ≈ mypicketfencerealty.com PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

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REALTORS

Josh Duclos Realtor, Olympus Executive Realty Inc.

Josh Duclos was retired and crisscrossing the United States in an RV for 18 years with his wife before he became a top-producing Realtor five years ago.

Now he delights in helping clients, especially first-time home buyers, with their real estate needs.

“What a thrill! Many first-time buyers are young and in awe. They’re like a kid in the candy store,” Josh says. “What I want people to know is that I am here to work for them. The customer is first; my life is second. My phone is always with me, and I’ve taken calls at 2am from a customer who was overseas.”

Josh says there are more options today in buying a home, everything from 0 to 20 percent down, “so, it is up to a representative like me to explain how it all works.”

Josh focuses on serving clients within a 90-minute radius of Montverde.

“The success of a real estate agent is greatly enhanced by the firm they are representing. Olympus Executive Realty Inc. has been the greatest part of my success,” he says. “This company understands the meaning of team effort. I am very grateful for all the efforts this company is giving to their agents.”

“THE SUCCESS OF A REAL ESTATE AGENT IS GREATLY ENHANCED BY THE FIRM THEY ARE REPRESENTING. OLYMPUS EXECUTIVE REALTY INC. HAS BEEN THE GREATEST PART OF MY SUCCESS.” —JOSH DUCLOS

16903 Lakeside Drive, Suite 6, Montverde ≈ 352.552.1266 joshduclos@gmail.com PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE F E B ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M

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REALTORS

Samantha

Merritt Realtor, PSA, Connie Mahan Real Estate Group

Connie Mahan (L) and Samantha Merritt

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REAL ESTATE

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connie mahan

054 R/ E AL AL K EE AS NTDASTUEM TGERR SOTUYPL E .C O M experience you can close on re si d e n t i a l

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Samantha Merritt offers an inspiring, real-life story of someone who made a successful career change.

She spent 10 years in hospitality management before becoming executive director of the Sumter Chamber of Commerce.

Two years ago, she transitioned into the world of real estate after joining Connie Mahan Real Estate Group.

In her first year, Samantha became a multimilliondollar producer. She sold even more homes the following year, becoming the company’s top-producing agent. More importantly, 90 percent of her business comes from referrals, and clients even invite her to attend baby showers.

“I want to know my clients and their families,” she says. “What are their families like? Do they plan to have kids?

Learning about them and hearing their stories helps me find the perfect home for them.”

Connie Mahan, owner of the —SAMANTHA MERRITT Bushnell-based company, is hardly surprised by Samantha’s fast start.

“I’m glad she chose to work with me, but no matter what field she is in, Samantha is going to be successful,” Connie says. “There is not a more focused person that I know in both her personal and professional life.”

Samantha is a lifelong Sumter County resident and 1999 graduate of South Sumter High School. Her son, Cameron, graduated from there in 2019, and her daughter, Avery, will graduate there in 2023.

Samantha can be reached directly at 352.457.7443 or by email at samantha@samanthamerritt.org

“LEARNING ABOUT THEM AND HEARING THEIR STORIES HELPS ME FIND THE PERFECT HOME FOR THEM”

218 N. Florida St., Suite 1, Bushnell ≈ 352.569.0233 conniemahan.com PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE • FEB'20

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REALTORS

Jessica

Huey Graham Broker-Associate / Realtor, ERA Grizzard Real Estate Jessica Huey Graham is a third-generation Realtor who got her broker’s license at age 19 and has been in the business 22 years. A native Floridian, she knows the markets in Lake, Sumter and Marion counties well. A busy mother of four, she also understands the value of setting priorities and efficient time management. Your goals for a home are her goals. As a result, Jessica has sold more than 1,650 homes and is ranked 191 nationally, making her one of the Wall Street Journal’s top agents for six consecutive years.

Michael

Huey Realtor, ERA Grizzard Real Estate Michael Huey, also a native Floridian and third-generation Realtor since July 2019, was motivated by his sister Jessica to go into real estate at ERA Grizzard, the highly esteemed family-owned and operated realty company.

“Jessica has done so well and is so respected that it is kind of cool to follow in her footsteps. The best advice she gave me was to answer the phone,” says Michael, adding that providing the best customer service is his top priority. “I enjoy helping people, and I’m very patient.”

Jessica Huey Graham with Michael Huey

Jessica Huey Graham: 352.504.7772 ≈ Michael Huey: 352.223.6742 1300 Citizens Blvd., Leesburg ≈ eragrizzard.com PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE F E B ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M

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REALTORS

Kim Ducharme Levensohn

Kim Connects… Your Real Estate Connection!

352.874.5906

Lynn Haynes Lynn Haynes sells Florida!

352.516.0903

Camie Kennedy

Joleen Cooper Howe

Guy Shipley

When you’re ready to buy, I’m your Guy!

The Results Will Move You!

321.356.3755

352.267.0770

Camie Can!

352.408.4668

Theresa Morris Lena Williams Lena Sells!

352.636.4488

Theresa Sells a Property Every 29 Working Hours!

352.360.3736

Lauren Fickett Leave It To Lauren!

352.636.2167

TOP

REALTORS

Morris Realty &

Investments Integrity. Experience. Results.

These top-producing agents at Morris Realty & Investments are part of a team that you want to have with you at closing.

Thanks to a foundation of honesty, integrity, knowledge and community pride, Morris Realty is a consistent top-10 real estate firm in Lake and Sumter counties.

Supporting local businesses and vendors and giving back to the community are two of the keys to the agency’s success. Morris Realty is involved in charitable efforts for AMVETS, the State Guardianship Association, Boys & Girls Clubs, Coalition for the Homeless, Leesburg Partnership, and many more.

In return, community members have helped make Morris Realty a top agency by placing trust in the agents to meet all of their real estate needs. The agency serves Lake, Sumter, Marion and Orange counties with retirement and lakefront property specialists, a full-service property management team and highly qualified commercial specialists.

If it involves Real Estate, they can handle it!

Let these top agents at Morris Realty & Investments make you feel at home and get you to the closing table.

10135 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg ≈ 1217 W. Miller St., Suite 6, Fruitland Park 352.435.4663 (Home) ≈ MorrisRealtors.com PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE F E B ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M

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REALTORS

Danny & Billie Faye

Smith

Realtors, Smith & Smith Realty

Even after more than 20 years each in the real estate industry, Danny and Billie Faye Smith still find motivation in their jobs. For Danny, it’s the art of the deal. For Billie Faye, it’s the art of dealing with people.

“It’s the art of trying to figure out a way to make it work,” says Danny, broker associate/vice president at Smith & Smith Realty in Wildwood. “I’m not a miracle worker, but just putting all those moving parts together, that’s what really drives me.”

“I enjoy working with people, hearing their stories,” adds Billie Faye, broker/president. “I think my heart goes to people that really need the help.”

Billie Faye, who competes in equestrian events, handles residential and horse farm sales, while Danny, who has a farming background, focuses on land and commercial sales.

The couple enjoyed a fourth consecutive strong year in 2019 and they credit God first for opening the door to opportunity. They also believe that smaller is better: at Smith & Smith, clients talk to the people whose names are on the door.

They look forward to more success in helping clients in 2020.

“I still like to see the community growing with home selling and new people coming in, because as long as that’s happening, you know we’re all going to prosper,” Billie Faye says.

“I ENJOY WORKING WITH PEOPLE, HEARING THEIR STORIES. I THINK MY HEART GOES TO PEOPLE THAT REALLY NEED THE HELP.” — B I L L I E FAY E S M I T H

1102 N. Main St., Suite F, Wildwood ≈ 352.748.5656 smithandsmithrealty.com PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

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REALTORS

Yolanda Presley Realtor, Keller Williams Elite Partners III Yolanda Presley’s extensive background in housing has made her an ideal Realtor for low- to moderate-income, first-time homebuyers. She totaled more than $1 million in volume from MayDecember 2019.

“I attribute that to the foundation that I have in the community and the rapport that I have with the people of the community, because I’ve been helping them with housing from one end of the spectrum to the next since 1995,” says Yolanda, who formerly supervised housing programs for Leesburg and Lake County.

She also teaches at Sumter Prep Academy, where her husband, James, is principal. She gets her drive from her mother, Lillie Greene and her late sister LaDonna Greene, who passed from breast cancer in 2018.

“My goal has always been to empower the community to build wealth through homeownership,” Yolanda says.

1200 Oakley Seaver Drive, Suite 109, Clermont ≈ 352.461.7241 yolandapresley@kw.com PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

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REALTORS

Nova Fuller Realtor, Dave Lowe Realty Inc.

As her first name suggests, Nova Fuller is a star Realtor. She totaled $8.5 million in sales in 2019, has received the Five Star Real Estate Agent Award six times and is featured in Forbes’ Top 500 Real Estate Agents in the U.S. The native Central Floridian has 16 years of experience in both residential and commercial properties. “My understanding of location combined with market knowledge is invaluable to buyers and sellers,” Nova says.

She attributes her success to referrals and the personal attention she gives to all of her valued clients.

dave lowe realty, inc.

303 N. Highland St., Mount Dora ≈ 352.551.7359 nova@davelowerealty.com ≈ novafullerrealestate.com

PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

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REALTORS

Susan

Wellington Your local Expert Realtor, Sellstate Superior Realty

Realtor Susan Wellington does business based on one simple rule: “Treat other people the way you want to be treated.”

“I KNOW COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY IN EVERY STEP OF THE PROCESS.’’ —SUSAN WELLINGTON

Susan’s career began after graduating from Michigan State University and includes 40 years of Corporate Sales and Real Estate experience! With a strong work ethic plus a BA and an MBA in Business and Marketing, Susan is your local expert who knows the value of education—for herself

and her client—when it comes to real estate.

Susan also was a top performer as a Series 7 Financial Planner at Morgan Stanley.

“Training is important. With what I’m doing, I need to know as much as I can,” she says.

Always an overachiever, Susan’s passion and skill as a Realtor made her a multimilliondollar producer in real estate.

She reached that lofty goal during her first full year as an agent.

Susan also is experienced with listing homes, staging, photography and more. Her marketing skills and expertise help sellers get quick offers on their homes.

Clients rave about her online:

“SUSAN ALWAYS GOES THE EXTRA MILE FOR HER CLIENTS. SHE IS VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND IS VERY PROMPT AND PROFESSIONAL.” “SUSAN WAS PROACTIVE IN SELLING OUR HOUSE. WE WERE IMPRESSED WITH HER KNOWLEDGE & SKILL.” “SHE SOLD THE HOUSE FOR SELLING PRICE & NEGOTIATED A TOUGH CLOSING. SHE IS A GREAT REAL ESTATE AGENT TO HAVE ON YOUR SIDE!”

8610 CR 466 Suite A, Lady Lake ≈ 352.638.3821 SusanWellington.com PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

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REALTORS

Marie

Rich

Realtor, RE/MAX Premier Realty Marie Rich knows she’s doing her job right when 95 percent of her Realtor business comes from referrals.

“To me, that’s the mark of a good Realtor,” she says.

RE/MAX Premier Realty in Mount Dora offers a full range of real estate services, and Marie emphasizes the personal touch with clients.

“I’m with them 100 percent of the way through the whole process, which can be very daunting for a lot of people selling their home,” she says.

Marie gets the best price for clients’ homes and recommends top professionals such as lenders, title attorneys, plumbers, roofers and others.

She’s a problem solver who takes care of any issue within

24 hours—whenever clients call, she’s there.

“The reason I’m successful is I answer my phone,” Marie says.

In the community, Marie guides Rich Critter Foundation, a spaying, neutering and pet food collection initiative that has benefited about 100 cats the past two years and helped

curb the feral cat problem in Mount Dora.

“My passion is helping animals,” she says.

Marie also has a passion for making sure clients are happy.

“It’s real personal for me,” she says. “My goal for my clients is to make it as smooth a transaction as possible and for them to have a good experience.”

18097 U.S. Highway 441, Mount Dora ≈ 352.348.2404 marierich.com PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE F E B ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M

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REALTORS

Kendall

Vansant Realtor, RE/MAX Premier Realty

Kendall Vansant has been active in the real estate market since 1997.

He says the best part of being a Realtor is building relationships with his clients. He works with them from beginning to closing, and he values the wonderful friendships he’s forged over the years.

“I’m very relational. All of my clients have become like family, and the best compliment I’ve gotten is that people do stay in touch,” says Kendall, who was born and raised in Leesburg. “From my love for people and having the knowledge of real estate, all of it together makes it a ‘Wow!’ And I love that my wife, Monica, helps with staging homes.”

Kendall recalls his world crumbled during the economic downturn of 2008, when he lost his wealth and 10 homes.

However, he says the experience made him a humbler person and a better Realtor, valuing people over money.

“I can help people that are at the bottom of economics to the top of economics because I have been in both. I’ve been there. Now, whenever I go to a listing, it’s more about ‘How can I help them?’” says Kendall, adding he is pleased to receive many referrals. “I am so blessed people are calling me because of the trust.”

“I’M VERY RELATIONAL. ALL OF MY CLIENTS HAVE BECOME LIKE FAMILY, AND THE BEST COMPLIMENT I’VE GOTTEN IS THAT PEOPLE DO STAY IN TOUCH.” — K E N D A L L VA N S A N T

2754 Dora Ave., Tavares ≈ 352.638.7574 kendallvansant@gmail.com PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

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Visionary

REALTORS

Properties Mary Baker, Owner/Broker Mary Baker’s successful boutique real estate firm, Visionary Properties Inc., has offices in Tavares and Sarasota. She became a Realtor in 1992 and earned her broker’s license in 2002. Mary notes that her team’s top priority is providing stellar customer service.

“Because we are small, we can offer much better service than larger real estate firms,” she says.

“Customers do not get lost in the shuffle. We call them back immediately, and because of that, we have repeat business and referrals. The primary feedback that we receive is that we go far beyond ‘the call of duty’ to meet our clients’ needs.”

Mother-and-son duo Louise Janssen and Jody Zeller are The Villages specialists, and Marjorie Graham is the transaction coordinator, handling all transactions from beginning to end.

Randy Owens, in the Sarasota office, is the company’s “waterfront specialist,” and his knowledge of intracoastal waterways is important for buyers and sellers.

Visionary Properties’ Customer Care Team consists of Mary Robertson and Steve Longshore.

They make sure that clients receive the best information possible and get started in the right direction for their home search. Dennis Mulholland

“CUSTOMERS DO NOT GET LOST IN THE SHUFFLE. WE CALL THEM BACK IMMEDIATELY, AND BECAUSE OF THAT, WE HAVE REPEAT BUSINESS AND REFERRALS.” — M A RY B A K E R

oversees our property management company.

We can place a tenant and or manage your rental inventory, giving property owners hassle free rental ownership.

With that teamwork, Mary says Visionary Properties is committed to helping customers achieve great results!

Back: Dennis Mulholland, Randy Owens, Mary Robertson, Steve Longshore, Jody Zeller Front: Judy Blundell, Louise Janssen, Mary Baker, Marjorie Graham

353 W. Alfred St., Tavares ≈ 352.636.2733 facebook.com/marybakersells PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE F E B ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M

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Ricky Harper

REALTORS

Realtor, ERA Grizzard Real Estate As an accomplished professional in the Real Estate industry, Ricky Harper is driven to see that each transaction is successful to the day of closing by keeping everyone informed and providing the best service. Being dedicated and instilled with a marketsavvy attitude, and using highly effective marketing tools, he knows that the real estate transaction represents the most important purchase or sale a person can make; whether the person is a first-time home buyer or an investor.

“It is really about getting to know my clients personally, being straight forward and honest,” says Ricky.

The proof is in his work ethic. Ricky was recognized as the 2019 Top Real Estate Producer at ERA Grizzard Real Estate with 11.6 Million in total sales volume. He says that a large amount of his referral business comes from business partners, community relationships, friends and family.

1300 Citizens Blvd., Suite 150, Leesburg ≈ 352.205.5663 RHarper@ERAGrizzard.com ≈ RickHarperRealtor.com Facebook.com/FlaHomeSales

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PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Olympus

Executive Realty

100% Commission Real Estate FL The Agents of Olympus Executive Realty are a uniquely talented group of executives from varied cultural, linguistic and professional backgrounds.

They each bring distinctive talents, skills, and expertise from their respective industries.

They prioritize client success by delivering quality service with equanimity and grace for the best outcome on each transaction.

Olympus Executive Realty, endeavors to be different. We are fortunate to partner with our Agents, our employees,

and our community.

In an effort to forge our path to success, we've created an environment intent on fostering success for our Agent Executives and their clients. Unlike the paper certificate of appreciation or the etched glass pieces, we’ve chosen to award our Executive Real Estate Agents with our own uniquely designed Olympian Accolade: a 5oz medallion made of pure silver. We believe this to be a truly unique and inspiring concept where results speak for itself.

As we kick-off 2020, the management and staff of Olympus Executive Realty takes this opportunity to congratulate its Executives for its exemplary recordbreaking performance this past year. We believe our Executives’ performance is a credit to their hard work and endurance as management works tirelessly to fulfill their professional needs. We believe the Olympus Family is the result of this hard work, and we humbly accept and are proud to be The Home of Top Producers.

#1 LAKE COUNTY BROKERAGE IN AGENT GROWTH #1 LAKE COUNTY BROKERAGE IN INCREASED SALES #1 LAKE COUNTY INDEPENDENT BROKERAGE IN TOTAL SALES VOLUME

BACK: MARCUS CORREA, PA; KARINA LABARCA, PA; MARSHA BURTON GORDON; LEO VIDAL, PA; KIRSIE O’BANNER, PA; SHARON BLACK; NANCY PRUITT, PA; KRICHELY GONZALEZ RODRIGUEZ, PA; ANDRE HERNANDEZ; FRANK DONLEY MIDDLE: JOSH DUCLOS; SINNIA CALDERON, LLC; DONNA WALL; MONICA VELEZ, LLC; JAY MCGRIFF; MARY STALLONE; WILFRED SIERRA SOSA, PA; DANAY LAY; AURISTELA PEREZ; JACQUELINE ROGERS; JIM LIMPUS FRONT: RETO BADRAUN, PA; CINDY SAPP; MANDY GEROW, PA; RALPH FEDERICO; SANDRA WYHNANSKYJ, PA; MARY POILLION, PA; KIRSTY PITTS; JORGE MULET, PA; MARIA CASTRO, PA; CARRIE BARIL; BOB CURRIE

16903 Lakeside Drive, Suite 6, Montverde ≈ 407.469.2000 OlympusExecutiveRealty.com 100% Commission Real Estate FL PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

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TAKE A FLYING LEAP Feb. 29, an extra day in the year, presents an opportunity for adventure.

Photo: Nicole Hamel

STORY: CHRIS GERBASI

L

eap Day babies, sometimes called leaplings, have a true birthday only every four years, on Feb. 29. Historians say Leap Day originated with Julius Caesar, so a toga party would seem to be in order for a birthday celebration.

This year is a leap year with 366 days, rather than 365, because the actual length of a year is roughly 365.25 days—the time it takes for Earth to orbit the sun. That adds up to an extra day every four years, and that day is tacked on to the shortest month, February.

Why Feb. 29 and not Jan. 32? Roll with it. For leaplings, Saturday, Feb. 29, is a day to celebrate, and for many other people, it’s an “extra” day of living. By land, sea or air, Lake County offers the chance to leap into a new adventure.

Take a flying leap by signing up for pilot lessons at Leesburg International Airport, along U.S. Highway 441.

“Just come on down and we can set you up with a discovery flight,” says Eli Weiss, a flight instructor for Sunair, the airport’s fixed-base operator. “We’d take you up and at about 1,000 feet, I’d give you the controls and you fly the airplane around. Then, if you fall in love with it, from there we can just sign you up for our private pilot program.”

Sunair has six flight instructors and all of them carry a full schedule of lessons, Eli says. Students start by obtaining a private pilot certificate to fly a single-engine airplane, then proceed to instrument rating, which allows them to fly in clouds and low-visibility conditions. Students may pursue a commercial pilot’s license if they want to make a living in aviation. (352.787.2211. sunairaviation.com.)

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“WE TRY TO MAKE THE TOUR AN EDUCATIONAL AND ENTERTAINING EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE.” — TARA BOSHELL, SHOWCASE OF CITRUS

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L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • F E B ' 2 0

Eli, who is building hours as a flight instructor with the goal of piloting for an airline, loves everything about flying.

“I love the freedom of going anywhere,” he says. “I love being an instructor. It’s a blast. It’s rewarding to see your students kind of taking on your personality. How you operate is how they end up operating when you’re in an aircraft. All the procedural stuff that I do, I try to instill that in them to make them a safe pilot.”

After going up in the air, get down in the dirt at Revolution Off Road, 4000 State Road 33, Clermont.

(352.400.1322. revolutionoffroad.com.)

“Take a quick click off your bucket list and leap onto one of our ATVs perhaps or leap on our mucky ducks,” says Audrey Jowett, who co-owns the business with her husband, Kevin.

The ATVs are automatic Polaris Sportsman 450 vehicles, and mucky ducks are eight-wheel amphibious vehicles. The variety of outdoor experiences also includes shooting, archery and fishing, and the adventure park also hosts birthday parties, making it the perfect spot for leaplings this Feb. 29.

Showcase of Citrus, at 5010 U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont, also hosts birthday parties and offers a Leap Day special: any person born on Feb. 29 may receive a free Monster truck tour ticket valid for one year, with a reservation, as well as a free slushy or creamsicle on that day.

The Monster truck tour is a must-see agritourism adventure, says Tara Boshell, co-owner with her husband, John Arnold, a third-generation citrus farmer. Four Monster

trucks—modified school buses that sit 12-14 feet high—hold 25, 30, 35 and 40 passengers, respectively. The hourlong tour through the 2,500-acre ranch begins in the citrus grove and then moves through native woodlands, swamps and pastureland.

“Since we are a working citrus and cattle ranch, guests will see and feed our cattle, as well as see our exotic animals,” says Tara, listing animals such as ostriches, emus, kangaroos and miniature horses. “We try to make the tour an educational and entertaining experience for everyone.”

Tour reservations are encouraged because at this time of year, Showcase has a wide variety of ripe u-pick citrus available, attracting a few thousand people a day, Tara says. (352.394.4377. showcaseofcitrus.com.)

The Showcase of Citrus property also is the meeting spot and occasional launch site for Orlando Balloon Rides, which lifts off from various sites in the area depending on the winds on a given day. The one-hour hot-air balloon flights take off at sunrise and cover the greater

Orlando area above the treetops and rising to several thousand feet.

Leaplings and adventure seekers can book a ride for Leap Day as long as Mother Nature cooperates, a staff member says. (407.894.5040. orlandoballoonrides.com. Using the code 2020 provides adults with a $35 discount on a flight.)

For an adventure that’s a little more physical, the BoneFrog Challenge is coming at 8am Feb. 29 to Rock Springs Run State Reserve, 31699 Ethel Drive in Sorrento. BoneFrog is billed as the world’s only Navy SEAL obstacle course race, and organizers throw down a challenge to competitors: “You must be functionally fit to succeed here. You will get muddy. You will get beat up. You will be exhausted. But you will finish.”

BoneFrog, which has the most military-intensive obstacles in such events, was created by Navy SEALs to challenge, build and inspire participants to become better athletes, according to organizers. The event has distances of 3, 6, 9 and 18 miles for four competition levels ranging from 20 to 50 obstacles:

sprint, challenge, Tier-1 and endurance, plus a kids race. Spectators also are allowed at the reserve. (Register at bonefrogchallenge.com.)

If Navy SEALs barking at you is too intense, more traditional foot races also are planned for Leap Day. The Clermont Waterfront parkrun 5K race against the clock starts at 7:30am at Lake Hiawatha Preserve, 450 N. Lake Minneola Shores. This is a free event for all running levels and ages. Register at https://www.parkrun.us/register/.

The Lake Apopka Scenic Trail Run is scheduled from 7:30am-5pm. The course is a point-to-point, 30K run (18.6 miles) along the Lake Apopka Loop Trail. The majority of the trail is packed lime rock or clay, and runners can participate individually or form a relay team of up to four people. (sommersports.com.)

The run starts at Magnolia Park, 2929 S. Binion Road in Apopka, and finishes at the picturesque Green Mountain Scenic Overlook in Ferndale.

Look, don’t leap, from the overlook.

But make the most of adventurous opportunities on Leap Day.

Showcase of Citrus

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agenda

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! PLAN YOUR TRIP! BE SEEN IN LAKE AND SUMTER! | EVENTS. TRAVEL. PEOPLE.

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084

086

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THE TO-DO LIST What’s happening this month.

LOCAL TALENT Music fans are seeing a lot of Christina Adinolfi.

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT Leesburg Mardi Gras: Party time!

HI, SOCIETY! See who is stepping out at events around town.

THE TO-DO LIST

feb.

2020

EVENT

A VISIONARY EVENT

FEB

The 14th annual Hearts for Our Hospital Gala is the largest fundraising event of the year for The Villages Regional Hospital. “2020 … What Do You See?” will feature music and dancing (Johnny Wild & the Delights), live and silent auctions, and a gourmet dinner. Fundraising will focus on the vision for the hospital, taking the Simulation Training Lab to the next level and investing in the expansion of the Heart Center.

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Feb. 8 @ 5:30pm / Savannah Center, 1545 Buena Vista Blvd., The Villages / 352.751.8871 or sstrawder@centflhealth.org

FEB

26-28

EVENT

What a catch The Harris Chain of Lakes will host the YETI FLW College Fishing National Championship, featuring the country’s top collegiate anglers. Lake County is hosting the event, which is organized by Fishing League Worldwide, the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization.

Feb. 26-28 @ various times / Ski Beach, Venetian Gardens, 201 E. Lake Harris Drive, Leesburg / flwfishing.com

FEB

16-18

Mike Love and the Beach Boys

CHARIT Y

GETTING THE BAND BACK TOGETHER

feb.ON STAGE

Jake and Elwood are back! Every other year, the Skolits brothers, family members and musical friends perform as the Skoluchi Blues Brothers to raise funds for charities such as the Ocala National Forest children and the Operation Homebound meals program. They’re soul men (and women) with a cause.

Enjoy quality entertainment on the many stages of Lake and Sumter counties.

Feb. 16 @ 6pm / American Legion Post 347, 699 W. Lady Lake Blvd., Lady Lake Feb. 17-18 @ 7pm / North Lake Presbyterian Church, 975 Rolling Acres Road, Lady Lake / soundecision.com

2/1-2 & 7-9 @ various times “BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY” Melon Patch Theatre, 311 N. 13th St., Leesburg

2/8 @ 4pm “THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE” Clermont Performing Arts Center, 3700 S. Highway 27, Clermont

FEB

22

2/13 @ 5&8pm

EVENT

Hold on to your socks

DON FELDER The Sharon, 1051 Main St., The Villages

2/13 @ 7:30pm “VIENNA WOODS” – SPRINGTIME FLORIDA LAKES SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Epiphany Celebration Anglican Church, 1724 S. Bay St., Eustis

No, they won’t be baring all, but “Mutts Gone Nuts” will excite dog lovers. Among 10 of the world’s most talented mutts are Guinness world record-holders Feather, the highest-jumping dog, and Geronimo, the best rope-jumping dog. You’ve got to see it to believe it. Frisbee, anyone?

2/14 @ 7pm “VIENNA WOODS” – SPRINGTIME FLORIDA LAKES SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Family Christian Center, 2500 S. Highway 27, Clermont

2/20 @ 5&8pm BILL ENGVALL The Sharon, 1051 Main St., The Villages

2/23-24 @ 4&7pm

Feb. 22 @ 7:30pm / Clermont Performing Arts Center, 3700 S. Highway 27 / clermontperformingarts.com

MIKE LOVE AND THE BEACH BOYS The Sharon, 1051 Main St., The Villages

2/26 @ 7pm ROGER HODGSON The Sharon, 1051 Main St., The Villages

ONGOI NG EVENTS Events are subject to change and cancellation.

EVERY MON

EVERY TUE/SAT

EVERY THU

EVERY SAT

1ST MON

Webster’s Farmer’s Market 6am2pm, 524 North Market Blvd., Webster

Lady Lake Farmer’s Market 9am-2pm, Lady Lake Log Cabin, 106 S. U.S. Hwy. 441/27

Lake County Farmers & Flea Market 8am-1pm, Fairgrounds, 2101 N. CR 452, Eustis

Brownwood Farmer’s Market 9am-2pm, 2726 Brownwood Blvd., Wildwood

Senior Shakedown 1-3pm, Tavares Civic Center, 100 E. Caroline St.

3RD WED

PAWS Reading Dogs W.T. Bland Library, Mount Dora.

3RD THU

Mount Dora Food Trucks downtown Mount Dora.

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THE TO-DO LIST

feb.JAMS Move to the beat of one of your favorite performers at one of these great concerts or local venues!

2/7 @ 7:30pm

2/21 @ 8pm

DELBERT MCCLINTON Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

BLUE STONE CIRCLE Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

2/8 @ 7pm

2/22 @ 2:30pm and 7:30pm

RUTH AND MAX BLOOMQUIST Leesburg Center for the Arts

B.J. THOMAS Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

2/8 @ 2:30pm and 7:30pm

CHICAGO REWIRED Trilogy Orlando, Groveland

MARK CHESTNUTT Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

2/12 @ 7:30pm

FEB

1-2

2/24 @ 5pm and 8pm

2/14 @ 7:30pm

A collage of creativity

THE VAN-DELLS Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

2/15 @ 11am 2/15 @ 3pm

Feb. 1-2 @ 9am-5pm / Downtown Mount Dora / mountdoraartsfestival.org

2/17 @ 7pm

JEFF WHITFIELD Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

2/15 @ 3pm and 7pm THREE TENORS PLUS ONE The Sharon, The Villages

2/16 @ 2:30pm and 7:30pm TRACY BYRD Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale DOUG ALLEN NASH Savannah Center, The Villages

2/18 @ 7pm THE VILLAGES PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA The Sharon, The Villages

To have an event considered for the calendar, send a short text description along with a color photo (if available) 45 days in advance of event to: calendar@akersmediagroup.com or Lake & Sumter Style Calendar, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749

2/26 @ 7pm 2/26 @ 7:30pm

BOBBY BLACKMON Leesburg Mardi Gras

Let us help you get the word out!

THE BEACH BOYS The Sharon, The Villages ROGER HODGSON The Sharon, The Villages

THE MUDDS Leesburg Mardi Gras

From vivid paintings to eye-catching photography, art can be appreciated in many forms at the Mount Dora Arts Festival. This popular event, now in its 45th year, attracts some of the country’s leading artists and more than 300,000 visitors filling the downtown streets. Mediums include ceramics, furniture, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, sculpture, wood and more.

2/23 @ 5pm and 8pm THE BEACH BOYS The Sharon, The Villages

JEFF WHITFIELD Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

EVENT

2/22 @ 7pm

2/19 @ 7pm CHICAGO REWIRED The Plantation at Leesburg

2.28 @ 7:30pm FIREFALL Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

2/28 @ 9pm SOUND THEORY BAND Clermont Brewing Company

2/29 @ 2:30pm and 7:30pm OAK RIDGE BOYS Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

2/29 @ 9pm SOUND THEORY BAND Clermont Brewing Company

3/1 @ 2:30pm and 7:30pm RICKY SKAGGS Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

3/5 @ 7pm STRING FEVER The Sharon, The Villages

2/20 @ 7:30pm MARK Z Ruby Street Grille, Tavares 1ST FRI

Street Party Downtown Eustis, 6-10pm

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Night Market 5th and Magnolia Streets, Leesburg, 5-8pm

2ND FRI

Art in the Alley Features artists and performers on the sidewalks of downtown Mount Dora, 6-8pm

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Open House 6-8pm Mount Dora History Museum, 450 Royellou Lane

Movie in the Park Free family movie starts at dusk in Donnelly Park, downtown Mount Dora.

1ST SAT

2ND SAT

Wine Tasting Stroll 6-8pm, Starts at Maggie’s Attic on Alexander Street and 4th Avenue.

Food Truck N Flick Night Entertainment, Leesburg Towne Square.

4TH SAT

Classic Car Cruise-In downtown Eustis.

BOOK CLUB

REVIEW

A ballot of choices Book clubs can educate readers about issues such as suffrage.

STORY: DIANE DEAN

ore than 25 book clubs operate in The Villages, and each has its own way of selecting books and conducting discussions. Regardless of the format, book clubs can educate, inform and enlighten, while forging relationships between people who love books.

Books usually are read before a meeting, and clubs may have a facilitator to lead the whole group, or members may break into small groups. Clubs may have guest authors speak at a meeting.

Some current popular books that many clubs discuss include “Where the Crawdads Sing,” by Delia Owens; “Olive, Again,” by Elizabeth Strout; and “The Great Alone,” by Kristin Hannah.

Readers interested in history or World War II might consider “The Pioneers: The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West,” by David McCullough, or “A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of WWII’s Most Dangerous Spy, Virginia Hall,” by Sonia Purnell. They might look at current issues in a book such as “Crazy: A Father’s Search Through America’s Mental Health Madness.”

Ready to delve into these books?

The 100-year anniversary of women achieving the right to vote is being celebrated in 2020. To honor this significant event, one book club is devoting several months to books related to that topic. Among relevant selections are “The Woman’s Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote,” by Elaine Weiss, and “Mr. President, How Long Must We Wait? Alice Paul, Woodrow Wilson and The Fight for the Right to Vote,” by Tina Cassidy.

Books on African-American suffragettes include “Sojourner Truth: A Life, A Symbol,” by Nell Irvin Painter, and “To Tell the Truth Freely: The Life of Ida B. Wells,” by Mia Bay. Books about well-known advocates for the right to vote are “Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony: A Friendship That Changed the World,” by Penny Colman, and “Carrie Chapman Catt: A Life of Leadership,” by Nate Levin.

Modern-day role models for women could be studied with “Sisters in Law: How Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Went to the Supreme Court and Changed the World,”

by Linda Hirshman.

People often say a book club leads them to selections they wouldn’t normally pick. Many of the choices here might not be at the top of a reader’s list, but the right to vote is as important now as it was 100 years ago, and these books are well worth the time.

Many of these books can be found at amazon.com and goodreads.com

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LOCAL TALENT

PEO PLE

Free spirit Singer Christina Adinolfi spreads energy through her music.

STORY: CHRIS GERBASI

≈ PHOTO: ANTHONY RAO

pirituality plays a part in singer Christina Adinolfi’s performances, and listeners felt that one recent evening as her voice floated from the patio of Magical Meat Boutique to the heavens above Mount Dora.

“What I give out is what I believe other people receive. I feel like everything is about your energy and your positivity and really making a difference in that way,” she says. “Purity and love are what I want people to feel in my music.”

Christina’s voice is pure and clear and easy to get lost in yet packs an emotional punch when needed.

She accompanies herself on acoustic guitar and puts her own twist on an eclectic set of pop, rock and country songs by artists ranging from the Monkees to Maroon 5.

She also writes original songs, such as “Round and Round,” an up-tempo country love song.

While living in Mount Dora the past two years, Christina has performed steadily at venues and community events around Lake County. In November, she landed a “dream job” performing “How Great Thou Art”—a hymn recorded by her idol, Carrie

Underwood—before several thousand people at the Light Up Mount Dora holiday event.

“Singing’s been a big part of the way I express myself because I feel like music is the universal language,” she says. “Music helps connect people and is my way of giving back to others. We all wonder what our purpose is, so I feel like mine is to show my passion for what I do and to bring people together.”

Christina has loved music since she was a toddler and received a piano from her grandfather, Bobby Weinstein, who’s in the Songwriters Hall of Fame for hits like “Goin’ Out of My Head.” Her father, Sal, played in a band and introduced Christina to classic rock. Beatles songs like “Eleanor Rigby,” “Blackbird” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand” dot her setlist.

She picked up the guitar only six years ago, teaching herself to play by watching YouTube videos, and now hopes to perform around the country and record an album. But she doesn’t need to aim for the stars.

“I don’t care to be famous. I mean, I care to be successful at what I do. I’m pushing myself to do well. But as long as I’m doing it, that’s all that matters,” Christina says. “I feel like this is what I’m meant to do.”

Do you know talented people in the community?

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L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • F E B ' 2 0

Send recommendations to chris@akersmediagroup.com.

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SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT

EVENT

Beads, bands and a little booze Enjoy the Mardi Gras experience in Leesburg.

STORY: JAMES COMBS

evelers dressed in purple, green and gold costumes watch as a fire-eater blows a golden flame from his mouth. Masked men and women riding in glowing decorated floats throw beads and candy to the excited crowd. An 8-foottall stilt walker precariously balances on wooden pegs as curious onlookers admire his larger-than-life persona.

Yes, these are some of the sights at Mardi Gras, but don’t assume you have to make the 601.2-mile trip to the Big Easy to see them. Leesburg is hosting its own version of the

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popular event from 11am-11pm Saturday, Feb. 15.

In its 23rd year, the Leesburg Mardi Gras is dubbed “12 hours of Mardi Gras madness” because visitors enjoy an entire day of food, fun and fellowship.

You won’t find the French Quarter or Bourbon Street, but the downtown area is filled with the sights and sounds of New Orleans.

“People really love the parades,” says Joe Shipes, executive vice president of the Leesburg Partnership, which organizes the event.

“Our Mardi Gras usually draws between 5,000 and 10,000 people who love

lining the street to watch the three parades we have throughout the day.”

A kids’ parade at 11am kicks off the festivities. Children in marching bands fill the air with music while youngsters on dance teams show off their moves. Following that is a pet parade at 2pm when costumed pooches in Mardi Gras attire take center stage.

For the Mardi Gras parade at 7pm, revelers line up along the parade route to snag shiny, colorful bead necklaces.

The people in the crowd who have many layers of beads around their necks typically have the quickest hands.

Joyce Huey

“It’s all about the beads,” Joe says.

“People go crazy over them and really try hard to grab as many as they can.”

The entertainment is typically a big hit, too. Among the headline acts is Beautiful Bobby Blackmon, a blues guitarist and vocalist who has performed at B.B. King’s Blues Club in Orlando, as well as festivals in Lake County and venues in The Villages.

He will showcase his unique style of blues music at 3pm. The Mudds, known for their smooth jazz and blues style, will perform at 11 am.

While blues music certainly goes handin-hand with Mardi Gras, fans of hardhitting 1980s hair bands also have a reason to come. This year’s headliner is Nightrain, a Guns N’ Roses tribute band slated to play at 8pm. The band will perform several hits from Guns N’ Roses’ 1987 debut album

“Appetite for Destruction,” which sold more than 30 million copies.

“We’re excited about having Nightrain here,” Joe says. “Many of the songs they’ll perform are still immensely popular today.”

The festival also features street performers, stilt walkers, jugglers, tightrope walkers and fire-eaters.

Spectators also can see the crowning of Leesburg’s King Rex and Queen Divine, honors that are awarded to the man and woman who raise the most funds for the Leesburg Partnership in the weeks leading up to the event.

Joyce Huey, owner of Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe in downtown Leesburg, won the coveted title of Queen Divine in 2011. She attends Leesburg Mardi Gras each year.

“Mardi Gras is great for the downtown merchants because it introduces more people to our downtown area, and when they see what we offer, they come back,” she says. “Everybody has lots of fun, and the parades are spectacular.”

Jayme Johnson, of Lady Lake, won the title of Queen Divine in 2015. She would never dream of missing the event.

“I love being in the parades,” she says. “The coolest thing is when you’re throwing beads and seeing the smiling faces of people in the crowd. It’s a great time for the community to come together.”

For more information, visit leesburgpartnership.com/ mardigras or call the Leesburg Partnership at 352.365.0053.

Want to see your event in Social Spotlight?

Contact us at least three months in advance and provide all the details to james@akersmediagroup.com.

JAMES COMBS

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W

HI, SOCIETY!

Dot and John Burd

Larry Dolan and Denise and Jim Burry Jim and Barbara Logan and Patti and Tim Wolf

See all the photos for this event at lakeandsumterstyle.com/hisociety

Debbie Neal, Mary Lynn Cassidy, Darlene Pruett, and Sharon Bretz

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evening in white, was the theme of a recent festive gala in downtown Leesburg hosted by Leesburg Rotary Club Sunset.

The event featured an elegant evening of dining and music for more than 110 guests at Starlight Ballroom. “Even though we had to move the event inside because of weather, it was an amazing and absolutely stunning evening,” says Joyce Huey, owner of Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe in Leesburg. Proceeds from the night benefit Leesburg Center for the Arts and Forward Paths Foundation.

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Pint Sized Pub and Brick & Barrel

Jayme Johnson, Sarah Richey, and Joanie Smalley

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Eric and Erica Lebo, Amanda and Josh Gonzalez

TA S T Y B R E W ≈ PHOTOS: ANGELA ALLEN. Hundreds strolled the islands of Leesburg’s picturesque Venetian Gardens to sample more than 35 craft beers, a variety of wines and regional foods from area restaurants at Leesburg Partnership’s recent Craft Beer, Wine and Food Festival. The popular event also featured a concert by Winslow and the Rockefellers, and a huge firepit for people to gather around and make S’mores.

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Amanda Spangler, Jennifer and John Edwards

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Stephanie Figueroa and Kathy Strawbridge Roger Beyers and Paul O’Donnell

Casandra Chatman, Yolanda Green, and Tiara Lamar

MISTLETOE TROT @ SILVER LAKE, LEESBURG ≈ PHOTOS: ANGELA ALLEN. Leesburg Regional Medical Center’s 24th annual Mistletoe Trot 5K and 10K on Dec. 14 brought out 102 participants enjoying an early-morning run or walk around Silver Lake to benefit the Community Medical Care Center in Leesburg. Tommy Ramirez, 48, of St. Cloud, was the overall first-place finisher with an average pace of 5:42 a mile.

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See all the photos for this event at lakeandsumterstyle.com/hisociety

Marlene Padro and Amanda King

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Bryan and Carol Sutton

Ashley Camp, Sean King, Sarah Donnelly, and Lauren Storms

Todd and Angie Luce, Holly and Todd Conte

Danny Buckler

Erin Loesch, Jaci Lemanski, and Miranda Hosterman

Georgia Geistand and Jane Buckler

Ralph Smith, Lori and Carey Baker, and Ray Smith

C U L I NA RY D E L I G H T S ≈ PHOTOS: DOUGLAS TYLER. The Tavares Chamber of Commerce’s recent Taste of Tavares was a big hit at Pavilion on the Lake. The People’s Choice winners included Deli Llama for Goats on a Date appetizer, and AdventHealth Waterman for braised short ribs entrée and white chocolate and strawberry bread pudding dessert. Judges also declared the bread pudding as the best dessert, along with Deli Llama’s bacon blue pita pizza as best entrée and Osprey Lodge Assisted Living’s bison sliders as best appetizer. @ PAVILION ON THE LAKE

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See all the photos for this event at lakeandsumterstyle.com/hisociety

Joy Rodriguez, Jon Aramino, and Liz Cornell

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Cheri Sutherland English, Anthony Sabatini, Frankcheska Markus, and Matt Tutton

Wylie Hamilton and Brad Schaffner

Venetian Center

Chief Rob Hicks and Sandi Moore

FESTIVE GALA ≈ PHOTOS: ANGELA ALLEN. The 83rd annual installation and awards gala of the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce was hosted Dec. 5 at the city’s beautiful new community venue, the Venetian Center, on the waterfront of Lake Harris. Dr. Jeffrey Glover, of Glover Chiropractic Clinic in Leesburg, was installed as the chamber president for 2020. @ VENETIAN CENTER

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See all the photos for this event at lakeandsumterstyle.com/hisociety

Brittney and Tracey Meani

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Angel Cintron, Clyde Hamilton, and Alex Snyder

Carol Wilcoxon and Doris Theberge

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Lee Ann Gilson and Linda Weekley Heather Owen and Sonja Firestone

C E L E B R AT I NG 4 0 Y E A R S ≈ PHOTOS: ANTHONY RAO. The Floor Shoppe, 9815 U.S. Highway 301, Wildwood, has been flooring homes and businesses since 1979, and the Stewart family recently took time out to celebrate with their friends and customers over hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine. The company offered its biggest sale, and guests were treated to several nice door prizes, including an entire kitchen backsplash.

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Shawn Scovil and Jason Groover

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Marc Vaughn and Alan Stewart

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DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW FOR YOUR KITCHEN, GET THE SCOOP ON EATING OUT, AND TOAST THE WINE! | FOOD. DRINKS. REVIEWS.

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IN THE KITCHEN Hospital creates a healthy lifestyle.

FORK ON THE ROAD Leesburg restaurateurs add Main Street Cantina.

SPIRITS Belly up to the bar at Clermont Brewing Co.

DINING GUIDE Our area restaurants appeal to all tastes.

IN THE KITCHEN

RECIPE

Creating a new lifestyle CREATION Health Kitchen at AdventHealth Waterman guides guests’ nutritional needs.

STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL

≈ PHOTOS: ANTHONY RAO

tay away from fad diets.

When talking about food, nutrition and diets, that’s the No. 1 advice from registered dietitians Victoria Gerace and Candace Aurigemma, of AdventHealth Waterman Hospital in Tavares. They tout the healthy cooking tips offered through the Yum Yum Club demonstrations at the hospital’s CREATION Health Kitchen.

“Especially in the new year, everybody kind of wants to jump onto something that they think is going to be a quick fix, and it usually does not work,” Victoria says. “We are actually starting to see a lot of people with complications from doing things like keto, and the ketogenic diet is extremely high fat.”

She believes many keto followers consume too much unhealthy fat, like bacon.

“We are seeing people whose lipid numbers are off, whether it’s triglycerides, high cholesterol, and we’re seeing it in younger people, too,” Victoria says. “Even though a lot of people have had some serious weight loss, it’s not always a healthy option.”

Candace says some people also get carried away with what they see on the internet

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Left: David Atkinson, executive chef of food and nutrition services at AdventHealth Waterman. Right: Jacob Wishon, operations coordinator of food and nutrition services at AdventHealth Waterman.

about “the newest and greatest supplement. Our job is to steer them into a more attainable lifestyle.”

As far as nutrition, Candace advises everything in moderation.

“You do want some carbs, some healthy fats, protein, and make sure you’re getting a variety of colors and the different food groups,” she says, while also advising not to totally abandon the food you enjoy.

Eating should be enjoyable, says Candace, a dietitian for the hospital’s medical ICU and cardiovascular ICU. She often provides nutritional advice to heart patients.

“Most of our diets have a lot of salt in them already, so I encourage (people) to try to avoid adding additional salt. Try to go for leaner meats, such as chicken as it is prepared here (in photo) or fish. Go for lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains,” Candace says, adding healthy eating habits are reflected in better bloodwork results.

“I’ve had people who’ve made changes in their diet and they come back and say, ‘My HDL (good cholesterol) improved, my triglycerides improved,’” Victoria adds.

During the Yum Yum Club live food demonstrations, David Atkinson, executive chef of food and nutrition services, and Jacob Wishon, operations coordinator, take turns whipping up nutritious recipes using farm-fresh, plant-based ingredients. Guests are treated to sample tastings of each recipe prepared during the night.

“When folks from the community join us for our cooking classes or demos, we like to present recipes that taste great, feature fresh ingredients and are easily prepared using healthy cooking methods,” David says. “We find that if our recipes are full

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IN THE KITCHEN

of flavor, use a few easyto-find ingredients and are simple to prepare, our guests will be more likely to make the dishes at home.”

The chefs agreed to prepare and share recipes with Style for grilled chicken and Greek yogurt parfait.

“Chicken is a great lean protein; there’s no carbohydrates in grilled chicken,” says Victoria, who also has been an instructor for the diabetes self-management class offered at the CREATION Health Kitchen. “So that meal would be great protein and high fiber from all of the different

“YOU DO WANT SOME CARBS, SOME HEALTHY FATS, PROTEIN, AND MAKE SURE YOU’RE GETTING A VARIETY OF COLORS AND THE DIFFERENT FOOD GROUPS.” —CANDACE AURIGEMMA

Left: Victoria Gerace Right: Candace Aurigemma

G R E E K YO G U R T PA R FA I T INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

Stir together yogurt and Stevia packet.

Layer strawberries. Layer oats and walnuts.

Layer yogurt mixture. Top with more strawberries, and you also can add other fruit. Serves 1.

14

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cup dried oats

14

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cup strawberries (fresh, frozen or thawed)

7

walnuts

1

cup Greek yogurt

1

packet Stevia

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Nutritional facts: 153 calories; 4 grams fat; 35 mg sodium; 19 grams carbohydrates; 12 grams protein.

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G R I L L E D C H I C K E N W I T H G R I L L E D V E G E TA B L E S INGREDIENTS

4

boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, all visible fat removed

1

small zucchini, cut lengthwise into slices

1

small red pepper, cut crosswise into 4 rings

1

small eggplant, peeled and cut crosswise into slices

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red onion, sliced

12

MARINADE INGREDIENTS FOR CHICKEN

MARINADE INGREDIENTS FOR VEGETABLES

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teaspoon chopped garlic

1

tablespoon chopped garlic

14

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teaspoon kosher salt

1

ounce balsamic vinegar

1

teaspoon fresh minced herbs (parsley, cilantro and thyme)

12

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teaspoon chiffonade basil

2

ounces olive oil

2

ounces olive oil

12

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teaspoon minced ginger

1

teaspoon squeezed lemon juice

Cooking spray

DIRECTIONS

Stir the chicken marinade ingredients in a small bowl. Add chicken to the marinade.

Refrigerate for 4-8 hours. In a small bowl, stir vegetable marinade ingredients together to form an emulsion. Transfer mixture to shallow dish and reserve 1 ounce of mixture. Toss vegetables into marinade and mix evenly. Marinate in refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

Preheat grill to medium high. Put the zucchini, bell pepper and eggplant on a flat surface. Lightly spray both sides of the vegetables with cooking spray.

Sprinkle both sides with the reserved vegetable marinade mixture. Using your fingertips, gently press the mixture so it adheres to the vegetables.

Grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side to reach 165 degrees throughout. After grilling the chicken on one side, put the zucchini, bell pepper and eggplant on the grill. Grill the vegetables for 2-3 minutes on each side or until tender. Serve the chicken with the vegetables on the side. Serves 4.

Nutritional facts: 575 calories; 37.8 grams fat; 282 mg sodium; 16.9 grams carbohydrates; 6 grams fiber, 44.7 grams protein.

veggies. It would be a really great, healthy, low-carb option, and it would be easy to add a healthy fat like olive oil or avocado.”

During five classes offered every Monday morning for diabetics and people who are newly diagnosed with diabetes, the focus is on carb counting, medication for diabetes, the physiology of the body in diabetes and how diabetics should manage it.

“A lot of people come to us confused about what to do, what to eat, so the more you know, the better,” Victoria says.

The dietitians say taking a person’s lifestyle into consideration can help determine their optimal nutritional needs. Victoria is transitioning into a new role as an outpatient dietitian at AdventHealth Waterman, where she will work oneon-one with people on their nutritional needs. She will examine a person’s bloodwork, lifestyle, activity and economics as far as grocery shopping habits, and check for diabetes, chronic kidney disease and other medical conditions to get the whole picture of the person’s diet.

IF YOU GO

Yum Yum Cooking Club What: Live food demonstration of nutritious recipes using farm-fresh, plant-based ingredients.

When: 6-8pm Feb. 13 and 27.

Where: CREATION Health Kitchen, AdventHealth Waterman, 1000 Waterman Way, Tavares.

Cost: $30 per person.

To register: Call 352.253.3685 or visit adventhealthwaterman.com.

Hey, readers! Do you have a favorite dish or memorable cooking story?

Tell me about it! Email me at theresa@akersmediagroup.com

THERESA CAMPBELL

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FORK ON THE ROAD

REVIEWS

HOLA, LEESBURG Main Street Cantina serves up tacos, margaritas and an authentic Mexican vibe.

STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL

≈ PHOTOS: DOUGLAS TYLER

ain Street Cantina brings a fun, late-night party atmosphere to downtown Leesburg as well as a cool lunch hangout for fresh nachos and tacos, house-made guacamole, salsa and queso with tri-color chips and, of course, margaritas, tequilas and Mexican beers.

You also can play a little pool, darts or shuffleboard or watch TV at the cantina.

A live DJ is featured on weekends.

Since opening in November, the restaurant at 205 W. Main St. has generated crowds of night owls, Beacon College students and downtown employees. Customers have raved on social media that it’s the place to be in Leesburg.

Main Street Cantina is one of four business ventures in the city for co-owners Kenny Romero and Alberto “AC” Cisneros.

“It seems like everybody is pretty happy to have us here,” Kenny says on a recent Taco Tuesday, featuring $2 ground beef or chicken tacos for the dine-in crowd.

“People like that there’s a place downtown where they can get tacos, quesadillas and Mexican-style foods.”

Kenny’s favorite menu item: barbacoa tacos featuring marinated shredded beef, cabbage, red onion and fresh cilantro.

“For the most part, our most popular is the carnitas tacos (shredded pork, queso, pico de gallo and fresh cilantro) followed by chicken quesadillas and the burrito bowls,” Kenny says. The bowls are made with the diner’s choice of protein, seasoned rice, black beans, queso, pico de gallo, salsa and sour cream.

Alberto is credited with making the restaurant’s fresh and flavorful guacamole.

Order the Cantina Stoplight appetizer and it does resemble the colors of a stoplight with three separate bowls for guacamole, some warm queso and house-made salsa, all placed on a platter surrounded by a heaping helping of tortilla chips.

Main Street Cantina

Shrimp tacos also are a nice taste sensation featuring grilled shrimp, cabbage, sweet chili aioli, cilantro lime crema and fresh cilantro in either a soft flour or corn tortilla. They’re served with chips and salsa, or one can have rice and refried or black beans for an additional charge.

Main Street Cantina’s succulent shredded pork makes for delicious carnitas tacos and tostadas, and it’s nice that the restaurant doesn’t overpower its Mexican dishes with too much cilantro, making it more tolerable for diners who dislike the herb.

With vegetarians in mind, tacos can be ordered with grilled portabella mushrooms, caramelized onions, pico de gallo, cabbage, cilantro and avocado ranch. And veggie quesadillas of grilled flour tortillas are stuffed with cheese, portabella mushrooms, black beans, and sour cream and salsa on the side.

All meals are prepared fresh in the cantina’s open-concept kitchen, which makes it enjoyable to watch the cooks in action.

The bar offers a wide assortment of unique margaritas, including the Cadillac Margarita featuring Casadores Reosado, Cointreau, house-made sour and Grand Marnier float, served on the rocks. There’s also the Jalapeño Mango Margarita with Jose Cuervo Silver and mango puree with fresh muddled jalapeños, also served on the rocks.

Margarita Monday is offered for $3, and lovers of Mexican beer will find the cantina offers 13 varieties of beer and 16 tequilas.

In addition to tasty food and drinks, the cantina takes pride in its Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) theme with traditional Mexican sugar skulls, its inviting, colorful décor and authentic Latin music for guests to enjoy their dining experience to the max.

Kenny, a Leesburg native, and Alberto, from San Diego, also operate the Pint Sized Pub, the Brick & Barrel Public House and Mammoth Brewery, set to open early this year at 1107 W. North Blvd., Suite 26, site of the former 24 Tap Room.

“We opened 24 Tap Room originally back in 2016 with local craft beers and a place to hang out in Leesburg, and there was nothing like that here,” Alberto says. “People were so happy we opened a craft beer bar, and we were superbusy. We knew we wanted to expand and go the next step, which would be a brewery to where we could start making our own beer.”

While looking for a brewery location, other opportunities became available.

The pair came to downtown Leesburg and opened the Pint Sized Pub at 110 S. 5th St., in a building owned by businessman Tom Frost.

“Right off the bat, we were doing great,” Alberto says, adding that Tom next presented opportunities to open Brick & Barrel at 209 W. Main St. and the cantina next door.

“Within a year, we opened three different (business) concepts,” Alberto says. “We have great people who work for us and we’re happy.”

205 W. Main St., Leesburg. 352.435.7279. Hours: 11am-11pm Sunday-Thursday; 11am-1am Friday-Saturday.

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SPIRITS

D RINK

Honing their craft The owners of Clermont Brewing Co. provide something for everyone.

STORY: VICTORIA SCHLABIG

≈ PHOTOS: DOUGLAS TYLER

Eric Brown

hen you visit Clermont Brewing Co., you can be sure that everyone in your party will be happy with what the place has to offer.

Co-owners Darren Johnson and David Earl are aware that craft beers and IPAs have become popular just in the past 10 years or so and are well-liked among the millennial generation. They’re not as popular with the older crowd, however—it’s a “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” sort of thing—which is why Clermont Brewing offers many other options for people who prefer domestics.

“I would say the younger crowd really likes hoppy beer, and the older crowd likes lagers and the darker beers and things that aren’t so hoppy, and it’s very interesting to see the age demographic. That’s the fine line,” Darren says.

The brewery, which opened in June 2019, usually has eight or nine of its own craft beers on tap. Eric Brown relocated to Lake County from Colorado in July to become the brewmaster at Clermont Brewing, where he creates numerous craft beers, rotating them throughout the year.

“Everything comes down to what our brewery likes to brew and what people like to drink. So, you have to find that balance in there,” Darren says.

For beer-drinkers who prefer domestics, Kolsch is right up their alley. It’s a German-style lighter beer described by the owners as a refreshing ale-lager hybrid that has become a favored style by craft brewers and beer lovers alike. It’s one of Darren’s favorites and he says people who typically drink Michelob Ultra or Bud Light will like Kolsch the best.

Domestic drinkers also will enjoy the new Buzzed Light Beer, which is another light and refreshing beer. The Mexican Lager also is a lighter choice that is smooth and slightly bitter and enhanced with a slice of lime. The Kolsch and Mexican Lager are the two most popular beers at the brewery, followed closely by the Hazy IPA and the West Coast IPA. Hops fans might sway toward the West Coast IPA, which has been described as “aggressively hoppy” and is closest to an ale in depth and texture.

The West Coast IPA has notes of floral and citrus, whereas the Hazy IPA has the strongest hops flavor of the hoppy beers. However, Eric recently created a Hazy Double IPA, which exudes the aroma of hops and citrus, Darren says. The hops are much stronger in the Hazy Double IPA than in other beers.

People who like Belgian brews will enjoy the Belgian Wit, made with wheat, oats and malted barley, along with spices and orange. This one is great in warmer weather, Darren says.

For someone who isn’t as seasoned in beer or prefers to try a few different drinks when they go out, Clermont Brewing offers flights so customers can try four different beers or split a couple of flights with friends—the more, the merrier.

When creating the drink menu, Darren and David wanted to make sure everyone could come in and enjoy the atmosphere and menu, so for non-beer drinkers, they also offer wine, liquor, craft cocktails and a mango hard seltzer, called the White Rooster, that is made in-house.

The brewery’s specialty craft cocktails are unique to Clermont Brewing Co., created by the trained bartenders who are always coming up with new and seasonal cocktails.

“You may only have one or two (cocktails), but with fresh mint and cucumber and muddled fruit, it’s just refreshing and it’s fun to drink,” Darren says.

The most popular concoction is the brewery’s signature cocktail, the Rockin’ Rooster, which consists of Tito’s vodka, lime juice, mulled raspberries and mint.

The brewery also offers two ciders imported from the state of Washington

and rotates a sour throughout the year from somewhere in the United States, depending on what’s popular at the time.

The reason Darren and David don’t brew their own sours is simply due to the time it takes to age a sour and the room they have at the brewery.

In addition to the beverages, customers can enjoy live music every night, parties for Halloween, Christmas, Cinco de Mayo and the Fourth of July, in-house catering and, coming soon,

Sunday brunch buffets with a buildyour-own Bloody Mary bar and Wing Wednesdays with smoked chicken wings and pitchers of beer.

“We’re big advocates of having good food with the beer,” Darren says of a menu that includes appetizers such as nachos, tacos, sliders and a hummus trio.

Craft beer fans and cocktail lovers alike can spend time together knowing they’ll all find something to enjoy at Clermont Brewing Co.

AC T FUN F GET HOPPIN’ With the rising popularity of craft beers and IPAs, new breweries are constantly popping up all over the U.S. There are more than 6,000 breweries nationwide, and over 300 in Florida. Once you check out everything Lake County has to offer, why not plan a cross-country beer tour of America.

Know of a unique place to get drinks in Lake County?

Send your ideas to victoria@akersmediagroup.com

VICTORIA SCHLABIG

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DINING GUIDE

dine

OUT Whatever your favorite dish, you can find a great place that serves it in this area. Check out what's nearby or take a little drive to a new place!

Denotes locations where you can find Lake & Sumter Style

A S TAT U L A Race Car Diner 25641 Monroe St. 352.253.6940 ASTOR Blackwater Inn Williams Landing 55716 Front St. 352.759.3802 Castaways Restaurant 23525 US SR 40 352.759.2213 Sparky’s Place Restaurant 24646 SR 40 352.759.3551 William’s Landing 55716 Front St. 352.759.2802 BUSHNELL Chuck’s Odd Cuples Café 117 W Belt Ave 352.568.0408 Hong Kong Restaurant 2229 W CR 48 (352) 568-8888 Howie’s Family Restaurant 840 N. Main St. 352.793.8582

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TJ’s Family Restaurant 412 W. Belt Ave 352.793.8877

Friar Tuck 16640 Cagan Crossings Blvd.

352.404.6818

CLERMONT

G’s NY Pizza 12346 Roper Blvd.

352.243.8900

801 City Grille 801 Montrose St. 352.394.6911 Akina Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion Bistro 4300 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.8988 Calabria Ristorante 13900 CR 455 407.656.5144 Cheeser’s Palace Café 707 W. Montrose St. 352.404.9431 Clermont Brewing Co. 750 W Desoto 321.430.2337 Corelli Italian Restaurant 1042 E. Hwy. 50 352.989.5924 Devenney’s Irish Pub 16909 High Grove Blvd.

352.432.3925 El Cerro Restaurant 811 W. Hwy. 50 352.241.9884

Green Garden 1790 E. Hwy. 50 352.243.2077 Guru Restaurant 2400 S. Hwy. 27 352.241.9884 Legends Grille & Tavern 1700 Legendary Blvd.

352.243.1118 Lilly’s on the Lake 846 W. Osceola St. 352.708.6565 Napolis Pizzeria 556 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.7500 Robata Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar 1500 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.404.9688 Root and Branch Bistro and Bar 1200 Seaver Dr. 352.708.4529 Sanctuary Ridge Bar & Grille 2601 Diamond Club Road 352.243.0411

L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • F E B ' 2 0

Sarah’s Greek Cuisine & More 16640 Cagan Crossings Blvd., Ste. 305 352.404.8031 The Crooked Spoon Gastropub 200 Citrus Tower Blvd.

352.404.4808 Troy’s Cuban & Deli 1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.241.4295 Uncle Kenny’s BBQ 157 Hwy. 27 352.394.1225 EUSTIS 1884 Restaurant & Bar 12 East Magnolia Ave. 1.800.856.1884 Combat Café 1602 N. Hwy. 19 352.483.0250 Haystax Restaurant 15439 Hwy. 441 352.489.0510 Jeannie’s Place 209 E. Gottsche Ave. 352.359.0027 Kiku Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 15211 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.483.8288

King’s Taste Bar-B-Que 503 Palmetto St. 352.589.0404 LaCabana Mexican Bar and Grill 2060 S. Bay St. 352.357.4600

Stavro’s 3223 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.315.0028 The Rose Plantation 200 Rose Ave., Fruitland Park 352.805.4340

Nalan Sultan Mediterranean Grill 1 N. Eustis St. 352.357.4444

G R OV E L A N D

NightOwl Caribbean Restaurant 929 S. Bay St. 352.589.0256

Ikaho Sushi Japanese 7965 SR 50, #900 352.557.8988

Stavro’s & Sons of Eustis 2100 W. CR 44 352.589.9100 Taki’s Pizza House 2824 S. Bay St. 352.357.0022 Thai Sushi America 925 N. Bay St. 352.357.1949 The Crazy Gator 402 N. Bay St. 352.589.5885 The Great Pizza Company 23 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.357.7377 The Oyster Troff 936 N. Bay St. 352.357.9939 Tillie’s Tavern & Grill 31 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.602.7929 Tony’s Pizza & Subs 2760 E. Orange Ave. 352.589.9001

Coyote Rojo 214 W. Broad St. 352.557.8999

James Barbeque 262 W. Orange St. 352.557.4050 Lil Anthony’s Pizza 7965 SR 50 352.429.7499 Red Wing Restaurant 12500 S. SR 33 352.429.2997 H OW EY- I N THE -HILLS JB Boondocks Bar & Grill 704 S. Lakeshore Blvd.

352.324.3600 La Hacienda Restaurant 10400 CR 48 352.324.3910 Nicker’s Clubhouse Restaurant 10400 CR 48 352.324.2718 L A DY L A K E Bamboo Bistro 700 Hwy. 441 352.750.9998

F RU I T L A N D PA R K

El Ranchito 1 Lagrande Blvd.

Fruitland Park Café 3180 US Hwy. 441/27 352.435.4575

352.750.3335

ibar-be-que Express 3170 Hwy. 27 352.315.4227 Legends Cafe 2468 U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.728.0006 NY Deli N Diner 3325 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.365.0051 Rae Rae’s Restaurant 2468 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.323.1595

Lady Lake Harbor Hills Country Club 6538 Lake Griffin Rd. 352.753.7000 Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant 504 S. U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.753.2722 The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. 514 Hwy. 441 352.614.9000

LEESBURG Blooms 610 W. Main St. 352.787.1004 Brick & Barrel 209 W. Main St. 352.431.3069 Cafe Ola 400 N. 14th St. 352.365.0089 Cedar River Seafood 8609 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.728.3377 Chesapeake Bay Grill 4467 Arlington Ridge Blvd.

352.315.0066 Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant 10700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.2442 Dance’s BBQ 1707 South Street 352.801.8885 Frank’s Place 201 N. 1st St. 352.323.1989 Gator Bay Bar & Grill 10320 CR 44 352.365.2177 God Café 300 W. Main St. 352.801.7447 Great Chicago Fire Brewery & Tap Room 311 W. Magnolia St. 352.474.2739 HP Grill 1403 S. 14th St. 352.314.0006 Ichiban Buffet 10301 Hwy. 441 352.728.6669 Kountry Kitchen 1008 W. Dixie Ave. 352.323.0852 La Palma Mexican Grill 1690 Citrus Blvd.

352.323.1444 Lilly’s Super Subs 2339 CR 473 352.343.4663 Magnolia’s Oyster Bar 201 W. Magnolia St. 352.323.0093 Main Street Cantina 205 W. Main St. 352.435.7279 Mrs. T’s Place, Southern Restaurant 305 Pine St. 352.431.3217

Naples Italian Restaurant 1107 W. North Blvd.

352.323.1616 Osaka 1401 Citrus Blvd.

352.728.0788 Papa Pineapples 314 W. Main St. 352.801.7097 Pine Street Bar-B-Que 408 Pine St. 352.728.1293 Plantation Oaks Restaurant 4720 Plantation Blvd.

352.530.2680

MASCOTTE Rainbow Restaurant 704 E. Myers Blvd.

352.429.2093 MINNEOLA Jack’s Barbecue 100 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.394.2673 Lil Anthony’s Pizza 205 N. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.394.1516 Minneola Grill 117 W. Washington St. 352.394.2555

J.K. Thai & Sushi 116 E. 5th Ave. 352.385.5470 Let’s Do a Maine Lobster Roll 426 N. Donnelly St. 352.735.3702 Magical Meat Boutique 112 W. Third Ave. 352.729.6911 Mount Dora Pizza & Subs 2718 W. Old U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.5303 Olive Branch MediterraneanItalian Grille 115 W. 3rd St. 352.729.6734

Ramshackle Café 1317 N. 14th St. 352.365.6565

Napoli’s Pizzeria 556 Hwy. 27 352.243.7500

Rodello’s Italian Restaurant 26736 US Hwy. 27 352.319.8093

The Surf Bar and Grill 650 N. Hwy. 27 202.527.0100

San Jose Mexican 1337 S. 14th St. 352.805.4174

Tiki Bar & Grill 508 S. Main Ave. 352.394.2232

Sip Restaurant and Wine Bar 707 W. Main St. 352.435.7840

MOUNT DORA

Stokes Seafood Market and More 719 W. Main St. 352.787.3474

Anthony’s Pizza 17195 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.357.6668

Shiva Indian Restaurant 140A W. 5th Ave. 352.735.4555

Barnwood Country Kitchen & Smokehouse 3725 W. Old US Hwy 441 352.630.4903

Sidelines Sport Eatery 315 N. Highland St. 352.735.7433

Sully’s Smokehouse 10820 CR 44 352.483.7427 Takis Pizza Restaurant 1205 N. 14th St. 352.787.2344 Pint Sized Pub 110 S. 5th St. 352.460.0383 The Florida Porch Café 706 W. Main St. 352.365.1717

1921 Mount Dora 142 E. Fourth Ave. 352.385.1921

Beauclaire Restaurant at Lakeside Inn 100 N. Alexander St. 352.383.4101 Bocce Pizzeria 925 E. First Ave. 352.385.0067 Café Gianni 425 N. Alexander St. 352.735.3327

The Kitchen Cooking School 712 W. Main St. 352.901.6537

Cody’s on 4th Cafe 111 E. 4th Ave. 352.735.8426

The Mojo Grill & Catering Co. 9925 US-441 352.787.0494

Copacabana Cuban Cafe 320 Dora Drawdy Way 352.385.9000

The Old Time Diner 1350 W. North Blvd.

352.805.4250

Frog & Monkey English Pub 411 N. Donnelly St. 352. 383.1936

Turners 114 S. 5th St. 352.530.2274 Vic’s Catering 352.728.8989

Highland Street Café 185 S. Highland St. 352.383.1446

Wolfy’s 918 N. 14th St. 352.787.6777

Jeremiah’s 500 N. Highland St. 352.383.7444

One Flight Up Coffee, Dessert & Wine Bar 440 N. Donnelly St., Ste. 100 352.758.9818 Pisces Rising 239 W. 4th Ave. 352.385.2669 PizzAmore’ 722 E. 5th Ave. 352.383.0092

Sugarboo’s Bar-B-Que 1305 N. Grandview St. 352.735.7675 The Bavarian Haus 433 N. Alexander St. 352.735.8387 The Country Club 1900 Country Club Blvd.

352.735.2263 The Goblin Market 331-B Donnely St. 352.735.0059 Tilted Grill & Bar 4025 N. U.S. Hwy. 19A 352.483.3855 Whale’s Tale Fish House 2720 W. Old U.S. Hwy 441 352.385.1500 SORRENTO Del Franco Pizza Place 31436 CR 437 352.383.8882

Lisa’s Kountry Cafe 23911 CR 46 352.735.3380 TAVA R E S Angelo’s Italian Restaurant 2270 Vindale Rd. 352.343.2757 Fish Camp Lake Eustis 901 Lake Shore Blvd.

352.742.4400 Hurricane Dockside Grill 3351 W. Burleigh Blvd.

352.508.5137 Kalua Hale Beach Bar 181 S. Joanna Ave. 352.609.5910 Lake Dora Sushi & Sake 227 E. Main St. 352.343.6313 Mary’s Kountry Kitchen 15945 CR 448 352.343.6823 O’Keefe’s Irish Pub and Restaurant 115 S Rockingham Ave. 352.343.2157 Palm Gardens Restaurant 1661 Palm Garden St. 352.431.3217 Puddle Jumpers 111 W Ruby St. 352.508.5862 Ruby Street Grille 221 E. Ruby St. 352.742.7829 Sunrise Grill 462 E. Burleigh Blvd.

352.343.7744 The Hideaway 11912 Lane Park Rd. 352.343.3585

T H E V I L L AG E S Amerikano’s Grill 998 Del Mar Dr. 352.633.8027 Belle Glade Country Club 446 Moyer Loop 352.205.8208

Legacy Restaurant Nancy Lopez Country Club 17135 Buena Vista Blvd.

352.753.1475 Margarita Republic 1102 Main St. 352.753.4600

Bravo Pizza 1080 Lake Sumter Landing 352.430.2394 Cane Garden Country Club 1726 Bailey Trail 352.750.0627 Chengs Chinese and Sushi Restaurant 4050 Wedgewood Ln. 352.391.9678 China Gourmet III 343 Colony Blvd 352.750.4965 City Fire Brownwood & Paddock Square 352.561.2078

Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant and Bar 320 Colony Blvd.

352.753.3824

Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill 297 Colony Blvd 352.751.0400 Giovanni’s 3439 Wedgewood Lane 352.751.6674 Glenview County Club 3914 Glenview Rd. 352.753.0077 Habaneros Mexican Grill 3551 Wedgewood Ln. 352.633.2080 Hemingway’s at Havana Country Club 2484 Odell Circle 352.430.3200

Fish & Chix 100 N. Central Ave. 352.669.7145 Gator’s 9 N. Central Ave. 352.669.6969 Greg’s Haystax 526 Umatilla Blvd.

352.669.1555 Old Crow Real Pit Bar-B-Q 41100 SR 19 352.669.3922

NYPD Pizzeria 4046 Wedgwood Ln 352.750.1994

Shanghai 531 N. Central Ave. 352.669.2004

Orange Blossom Country Club 1542 Water Tower Circle 352.751.4501

The Mason Jar 37534 State Rd. 19 352.589.2535

Palmer Legends Country Club 1635 Palmer Way 352.750.4499

W I L DWO O D

RedSauce 1000 Canal St. 352.750.2930

Evans Prairie Country Club 1825 Evan’s Prairie Trail 352.750.2225

U M AT I L L A

Ricciardi’s Italian Table 3660 Kiessel Rd. 352.391.9939 Sakura 265 Colony Blvd 352.205.7393 Takis Greek and Italian Restaurant 13761 U.S. Hwy. 441 N. 352.430.3630 The Lighthouse Point Bar and Grille 925 Lakeshore Dr. 352.753.7800 Tierra Del Sol Country Club 806 San Marino Dr. 352.753.8005 VKI Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar 1004 Old Mill Run 352.259.9887

China Jade 420 W. CR 44 352.330.5913 Continental Country Club 50 Continental Blvd.

352.748.3293 Cotillion Southern Café 101 N. Main St. 352.748.1223 Los Magueyes Mexican Restaurant 346 Shopping Center Dr. 352.461.0577 O’Shucks! Oyster Bar and Grill 1016 S Main St. 352.399.2200 Traditions Café 3107 Hwy. 44 352.748.1077 Woody’s Bar-B-Q 1220 S. Main St. 352.748.1109 YA L A H A Yalaha Bakery 8210 CR 48 352.324.3366

GOOD GRUB

THIS MONTH'S EDITOR'S PICK

Yalaha Bakery Picturesque Bavarian-style murals, an inviting beer garden, German cuisine and delicious delicacies await you at Yalaha Bakery. Pastries, cakes, cookies and pies are ideal for anyone looking for sweets for their sweet this month. Popular menu items include the Reuben sandwich on pretzel cheese bread with sides of potato salad and sauerkraut, and Hunter schnitzel, a pork cutlet topped with mushroom sauce and served with egg noodles and red cabbage.

8210 County Road 48, Yalaha / 352.324.3366

F E B ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M

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DINING GUIDE

Let’s Do “A Maine Lobster Roll” 352.735.3702 | 426 N DONNELLY STREET, MOUNT DORA If you are looking for a Maine Lobster Roll or New England Clam Chowder, Let’s Do “a Maine Lobster Roll” in Downtown Mount Dora, it will be the right place. It is a cute charming place on Donnelly Street between 4th and 5th Ave. You will get sweet, tasty Maine Lobster, steamed then chilled mixed with light mayo and that’s it! Served on a warm toasted “New England” hot dog roll. Ask for the overloaded roll, you will never forget it. Additionally, they serve delicious creamy New England clam chowder, grilled hot dogs, Angus beef burgers and grilled sandwiches such as tuna melts, reubens, and a lot more. Between Monday and Friday they have a sandwich lunch special (ham, turkey, tuna, and egg or chicken-salad) for just $6.45 including one side and FREE homemade ice tea. You can also enjoy a beer, a glass of wine, or Margarita with your Maine Lobster Roll.

Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant 352.753.2722 | 304 US-441, LADY LAKE

11am-5pm Saturday.

Open 4pm-9pm Wednesday through Sunday.

Mom and Dad’s Italian Restaurant in Lady Lake has the distinct honor of calling itself a true family-owned restaurant. In fact, five generations of family members have represented the restaurant since its humble beginnings in May 1962. As many generations of customers have dined there throughout the years thanks to the outstanding service and scrumptious dishes such as Spaghetti a la Bruzzi, Delmonico steak, and lasagna. This food savvy family prepares everything from scratch, crafting everything with love to satisfy your taste buds.

Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Subway

Custom-made, fresh sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads made right before your eyes.

The “healthy” alternative to fast food.

SUBWAY.COM LADY LAKE | 208 W. GUAVA ST. | 352.750.4929 EUSTIS | 469 PLAZA DR. | 352.357.7827 MOUNT DORA | 18870 U.S. HWY. 441 | 352.735.4376 LEESBURG | 2013 CITRUS BLVD. | 352.787.6442 10135 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 4 | 352.326.3234 27405 U.S. HWY. 27, SUITE 4 | 352.314.8847 THE VILLAGES | 1580 BELLA CRUZ DRIVE | 352.750.9600 8796 S.E. 165TH MULBERRY LANE | 352.750.9991 1070 LAKE SUMTER LANDING DRIVE | 352.205.8535 349 COLONY BLVD. | 352.391.1657 WILDWOOD | 480 W. GULF TO ALANTIC HWY. | 352.748.8800

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Open 11am-3pm Monday to Sunday.

L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • F E B ' 2 0

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L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • F E B ' 2 0

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F E B ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M

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N N

FINAL THOUGHT

Carpet-cleaning sweethearts Remembering an endearing moment from a past Valentine’s Day. STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL

o this day, I can’t help but flash a smile when I pass a Stanley Steamer location, see one of their yellow vans with black lettering or watch a TV commercial for the carpet cleaners.

Stanley Steamer will always have a special place in my heart.

Back on Valentine’s Day 1991, I had taken the day off from my newspaper job to have the carpets cleaned at my family’s two-story country home on five acres outside Anderson, Indiana. I purposely chose this day to get the house ready for the real

estate market because I couldn’t bear the thought of seeing my female co-workers receive Valentine’s Day flowers when I knew my 12-year marriage was crumbling.

Just a couple of weeks before—when my young daughters and I had pink eye at the same time—I received startling news that my first husband wanted out of the marriage.

“I want somebody who looks like a million bucks on my arm,” he says, repeating it twice. Of course, having pink eye, I wished I looked better, too!

But he wasn’t joking. His superficial comment made it easy for me to realize we were not on the same page as far as values, and I knew this was not the same man with whom I had fallen in love.

The emotional roller coaster of sadness and heartache I was feeling came to a screeching halt on that Valentine’s Day

nearly three decades ago. As two men from Stanley Steamer cleaned away, I went out to get the mail and was shocked to open a business-size white envelope containing the petition for divorce.

The reality hit me hard, and it was devastating to receive the papers on Valentine’s Day. As I broke down bawling, the carpet cleaners rushed to my side and listened as I blubbered and showed them the papers. Without any hesitation, the men consoled me with a compassionate hug, and their endearing act of kindness was exactly what I needed at that moment.

On Valentine’s Day a few years ago, I noticed I was driving past Stanley Steamer in Leesburg. I made a spontaneous U-turn and went into the office just to tell the receptionist the story of how Stanley Steamer touched my heart and still makes me smile.

Hey readers! Do you have a random act of kindness story that touched your heart?

Tell me about it! Email me at theresa@akersmediagroup.com

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L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • F E B ' 2 0

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